Autumna.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website, Autumna.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and comprehensive online directory for elderly care and retirement living options in the UK. The platform aims to connect individuals and families with suitable care homes, home care services, live-in care, and retirement living developments by offering a vast database of over 25,000 providers and impartial advice from their expert team. It positions itself as a valuable resource for those navigating the often-complex search for elder care, emphasising its independence, lack of referral fees, and free-to-use service. While the site presents a wealth of information and a user-friendly interface, potential users should always conduct their due diligence when selecting care services, as Autumna primarily acts as a directory and advisory service rather than a direct care provider.

Overall Review Summary:

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive directory and advisory service for elderly care and retirement living in the UK.
Scope: Covers over 25,000 providers including care homes, home care, live-in care, and retirement living.
Key Features: Free shortlist service, expert advice line, detailed search filters, blog articles, video guides, testimonials.
Ethical Stance: Claims to be independent, impartial, and does not take referral fees, which aligns with ethical conduct by prioritising user needs over financial incentives from providers.
Transparency: Provides clear contact information, operating hours, and a cookie customisation option.
User Experience: Website appears well-organised, easy to navigate, and provides a clear call to action for finding care.
Overall Recommendation: Appears to be a helpful and ethically sound resource for individuals seeking elder care options in the UK.

The detailed explanation reveals Autumna.co.uk’s commitment to supporting families through what can be a very stressful period. Their emphasis on independence and not accepting referral fees is a significant positive, suggesting their recommendations are genuinely based on user needs rather than financial gain. The inclusion of a free shortlist service and a direct advice line further enhances its utility, making it accessible to a wide audience. The presence of a blog and YouTube channel also indicates a dedication to providing valuable, informative content to help users make informed decisions. For anyone in the UK seeking care solutions for themselves or a loved one, Autumna presents itself as a robust starting point.

Here are some of the best alternatives for finding ethical and reliable support services, keeping in mind the need for comprehensive and trustworthy information:

Age UK

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Key Features: National charity providing information, advice, and support for older people, including guides on care, benefits, and local services. Offers a helpline and local centres.
Average Price: Primarily free advice and information; some services may have costs.
Pros: Highly reputable, comprehensive resources, local support, covers a wide range of elderly issues.
Cons: Not a direct search directory for specific care providers in the same way Autumna is.

Which? Elderly Care
- Key Features: Independent consumer advice organisation offering detailed guides, reviews, and checklists for various care options, including how to choose and pay for care.
- Average Price: Access to full content often requires a Which? subscription (around £10.99/month).
- Pros: Unbiased, in-depth research, consumer-focused advice, clear guidance on legal and financial aspects.
- Cons: Not entirely free; may require a subscription for complete access to all resources.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- Key Features: Regulator of health and social care services in England, provides independent ratings and reports on care providers. Essential for checking the quality and safety of services.
- Average Price: Free access to all reports and ratings.
- Pros: Official regulator, crucial for verifying provider legitimacy and quality, detailed inspection reports.
- Cons: Not a search directory; primarily a regulatory body to check existing or shortlisted providers.
NHS Choices – Social care and support guide
- Key Features: Official NHS website providing comprehensive information on social care services, how to get an assessment, and funding options.
- Average Price: Free.
- Pros: Authoritative source, covers assessment processes, funding, and different types of care, highly trustworthy.
- Cons: Less of a direct directory and more of an informational guide to navigating the system.
Alzheimer’s Society
- Key Features: Charity offering support and information for people affected by dementia, including guidance on care options, legal and financial matters, and local services.
- Average Price: Primarily free advice and support.
- Pros: Specialised knowledge on dementia care, comprehensive resources, helpline, local support groups.
- Cons: Focused specifically on dementia; not a general elderly care directory.
Good Care Guide
- Key Features: User review-based platform for care homes, home care, and nurseries, allowing families to share experiences and rate services.
- Average Price: Free.
- Pros: Real user reviews, helpful for gaining insights into other families’ experiences, covers a wide range of services.
- Cons: Relies on user-generated content, which can be subjective; not as comprehensive as a professional advisory service.
HousingCare.org
- Key Features: Provided by EAC (Elderly Accommodation Counsel), this site offers information on housing and care options for older people, including searchable directories of retirement housing and care homes.
- Average Price: Free.
- Pros: Specialises in housing options, detailed directory, covers different types of elderly accommodation.
- Cons: Interface might be less modern compared to newer platforms, less emphasis on live-in care specifically.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Table of Contents

Autumna.co.uk Review & First Look

Autumna.co.uk presents itself as a vital resource for families navigating the complex landscape of elderly care and retirement living in the United Kingdom. Upon first glance, the website exudes a professional and user-friendly aesthetic, designed to instill confidence and ease of use for what is often a stressful and emotionally charged search. The homepage immediately highlights its core value proposition: “The UK’s largest directory of Care Home, Home Care, Live-in Care and Retirement Living providers.” This bold claim sets the expectation for comprehensive coverage.

Initial Impressions of Autumna.co.uk

The site’s clean layout and intuitive navigation are among its strongest points. A prominent search bar invites users to immediately begin their search by location, a practical starting point for most users. Below this, direct calls to action such as “Get your Free Shortlist” clearly communicate the primary benefit and a frictionless entry point for those seeking tailored recommendations. The use of popular care home locations like London, Manchester, and Kent as clickable quick links demonstrates an understanding of common user pathways and provides immediate access to relevant data. This approach minimizes friction, allowing users to quickly engage with the platform’s core functionality.

Transparency and Trustworthiness

A critical aspect of any service dealing with vulnerable populations is trustworthiness. Autumna addresses this by stating, “Independent, impartial, trusted elderly care support.” Furthermore, it explicitly mentions that it does not take referral fees, a crucial detail that aims to assure users of unbiased recommendations. This transparency is vital in a sector where financial incentives can sometimes influence advice. The presence of a clear contact number (01892 335 330) and defined operating hours for their advice line reinforces their commitment to direct, human support, which is often preferred when dealing with sensitive care decisions.

Scope and Database Size

The website proudly boasts a vast database, with figures such as “Search over 25,000 providers in the UK.” More specifically, it breaks down its directory into:

10,333 Care Homes
12,554 Home Care Services
1,679 Live-in Care Services
1,828 Retirement Living Developments
These statistics suggest a significant reach and variety of options available to users, making it a comprehensive resource for diverse care needs. The sheer volume of listed providers indicates that users are likely to find a range of suitable options, regardless of their specific requirements or location within the UK.

Autumna.co.uk Features

Autumna.co.uk is packed with features designed to simplify the complex process of finding suitable elderly care and retirement living options. The platform goes beyond a simple directory, integrating several tools and resources to provide a comprehensive user experience.

Free Shortlist Service

One of the standout features is the “Get your Free Shortlist” service. This promises to provide users with a bespoke list of options tailored to their specific needs. The process is described as taking “just a few minutes” and being “completely free.” This personalised approach can save users significant time and effort compared to sifting through thousands of listings themselves. It suggests a proactive matching service, moving beyond a passive search engine.

Advanced Search and Filtering

The website offers robust search capabilities allowing users to:

Search online by location: A fundamental feature, enabling users to pinpoint services in their desired geographical area.
Filter your search by the services & facilities that really matter to you: This is critical for narrowing down options based on specific care types (e.g., nursing care, dementia care), amenities (e.g., gardens, en-suite rooms), or unique requirements (e.g., pet-friendly). This level of detail empowers users to find providers that truly meet their criteria.

Expert Advice Line

A dedicated advice line (01892 335 330) is a significant asset. The website highlights that users can “Call our advice line if you need some help” and describes the team as “expert advisors” who offer “impartial and independent advice.” This personal touch is invaluable, as many families require guidance through the emotional and practical challenges of finding care. The operating hours are clearly listed (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), with an answerphone service for off-hours, ensuring accessibility.

Informative Blog and YouTube Channel

Autumna.co.uk extends its value proposition through its content hub. The “From the blogs” section showcases articles on topics such as:

Retirement properties for sale in London
Care home costs Wales: Key Insights
Best nursing homes in the UK
These articles provide valuable insights, cost information, and guidance, helping users make informed decisions. Furthermore, the presence of a YouTube channel with “Bite-size elderly care advice” videos on topics like “Faster Hospital Discharge Guide” and “2024 Care Home Prices” demonstrates a commitment to multi-format educational content. As of early 2024, resources providing clear information on care costs are increasingly vital, especially with rising living expenses and the complexities of funding care.

Testimonials and Social Proof

The website features a dedicated section for “Testimonials” where “What people say about our elderly care advice” is highlighted. Quotes from individuals like Juliet, Robert, and Bryan, praising the service’s promptness, efficiency, and helpfulness, build significant social proof. These personal endorsements can be powerful in reassuring new users about the quality and reliability of Autumna’s support. For example, Juliet states, “Thank YOU for a really amazing service: prompt, efficient, and so knowledgeable. It would have been a much longer and more difficult task without your help.”

Partner Network

Autumna also mentions “Our Partners,” indicating collaborations with other organisations. While the specific partners aren’t detailed on the homepage text, this suggests a broader ecosystem of support, potentially offering additional resources or specialized services through trusted affiliations. This network approach can enhance the comprehensiveness of the solutions offered to users.

Autumna.co.uk Pros & Cons

When evaluating Autumna.co.uk, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against potential limitations. For families in the UK seeking elderly care, the platform offers numerous advantages, but like any service, it has areas that might require closer consideration.

Pros of Autumna.co.uk

Extensive Directory: With over 25,000 providers across various care types, Autumna is arguably the UK’s largest and most comprehensive directory. This breadth increases the likelihood of finding a suitable match, regardless of location or specific care needs.
Impartial and Independent Advice: A major ethical advantage is Autumna’s explicit statement that it “never take[s] referral fees.” This ensures that the advice and recommendations provided are genuinely in the best interest of the user, free from financial bias. This level of transparency builds significant trust.
Free-to-Use Service: The entire platform, including the expert advice line and shortlist service, is free for users. This removes a significant financial barrier for families already facing potential care costs.
Personalised Shortlist: The “Get your Free Shortlist” feature streamlines the search process significantly. Instead of manual sifting, users receive tailored options, saving time and reducing stress during an already challenging period.
Expert Advice Line: Direct access to “expert advisors” via phone provides invaluable human support and guidance. This is crucial for discussing complex care scenarios, understanding funding options, or navigating difficult decisions. The clear operating hours further enhance accessibility.
Comprehensive Information: The website offers a wealth of information through its blog articles and YouTube videos covering topics like care costs, types of care, and geographical insights. This educational content empowers users to make informed decisions.
User Testimonials: A dedicated section showcasing positive user experiences adds credibility and social proof, reinforcing the perception of a helpful and effective service. Testimonials, like Robert’s “We found care quickly and easily. Previous attempts on our own were unsuccessful,” highlight direct benefits.
User-Friendly Interface: The website is well-designed, intuitive, and easy to navigate, making the search process less daunting, even for those who may not be highly tech-savvy.

Cons of Autumna.co.uk

Reliance on Provider Information: While Autumna aims to be comprehensive, the accuracy and completeness of provider listings ultimately depend on the information supplied by the care homes and agencies themselves. Users should always verify details directly with providers.
No Direct Booking/Contracting: Autumna is a directory and advisory service, not a direct care provider. It facilitates the connection but does not handle the contractual agreements or financial transactions between the user and the care provider. Users must complete their own due diligence before committing to a service.
Limited Beyond UK Focus: As the name suggests and content confirms, Autumna.co.uk is specifically for the UK. Users outside the UK will find no relevant services.
No Public Reviews (on Homepage): While testimonials are present, the homepage text doesn’t explicitly mention a public review system for individual care providers within the directory itself (like a star rating system or user-submitted reviews directly linked to each listing). This could be a feature for enhancing transparency, although third-party sites like CQC reports serve this purpose.
Service Availability: While extensive, the availability of certain care types or facilities might still vary significantly by very specific local postcodes, and a comprehensive database doesn’t guarantee immediate openings or a perfect match in all instances.

Autumna.co.uk Alternatives

When searching for elderly care or retirement living options, having a range of reliable resources is key. While Autumna.co.uk offers a strong platform, exploring alternatives can provide different perspectives, additional data, or specialised support that might better fit individual needs. Here are some of the most prominent and ethical alternatives in the UK, focusing on those that provide comprehensive and trustworthy guidance without engaging in forbidden activities.

Official and Regulatory Bodies

Care Quality Commission (CQC): This is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC inspects and rates all adult social care services, including care homes and home care agencies. Their website provides detailed inspection reports, ratings (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate), and easy-to-search databases. Why it’s a top alternative: It offers the most objective measure of quality and safety. While not a direct matching service, it’s crucial for vetting any shortlisted provider. For instance, in 2023, the CQC published over 25,000 inspection reports for adult social care services, providing a goldmine of data.
NHS Choices – Social care and support guide: The official website of the National Health Service in England provides extensive information on social care, how to get needs assessments, local authority support, and funding. It’s a highly trusted source for understanding the care system. Why it’s a top alternative: Provides authoritative guidance on navigating the public care system and understanding eligibility for various services.

Charities and Non-Profit Organisations

Age UK: As the largest charity working with older people in the UK, Age UK offers an incredible array of information, advice, and support. Their website has guides on choosing care, funding care, welfare benefits, and local services. They also operate a free national advice line. Why it’s a top alternative: Their holistic approach covers well-being, financial advice, and care guidance, making them a comprehensive resource for older adults and their families. Their recent “State of Care” report highlighted the increasing demand for impartial advice.
Alzheimer’s Society: For those specifically seeking care for individuals with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society is an invaluable resource. They provide detailed information on dementia care options, legal and financial planning, and offer local support groups and a helpline. Why it’s a top alternative: Specialised expertise and resources for dementia care, which requires specific knowledge and understanding.

Consumer Advice and Independent Review Sites

Which? Elderly Care: Part of the broader Which? consumer champion organisation, their elderly care section offers independent, unbiased advice, guides, and checklists on choosing care homes, home care, and funding. While some content may be behind a paywall, their free resources are still highly valuable. Why it’s a top alternative: Known for rigorous independent research and consumer advocacy, providing trusted, no-nonsense advice. In 2023, Which? reported that 72% of families found the process of finding care “stressful” underscoring the need for objective guidance.
Good Care Guide: This platform allows families to rate and review care homes, home care, and nurseries. It’s a good source for personal insights and experiences from other families, offering a different perspective than purely objective inspection reports. Why it’s a top alternative: Provides a community-driven approach, leveraging collective experiences to help others make decisions. User reviews often highlight aspects not covered in official reports, such as staff kindness or atmosphere.

Specialised Directories and Housing Advice

HousingCare.org (Elderly Accommodation Counsel – EAC): This charity provides comprehensive information on housing and care options for older people. Their website features a searchable directory of retirement housing, care homes, and other assisted living facilities, often including detailed profiles. Why it’s a top alternative: Focuses specifically on housing options for older people, making it excellent for those exploring retirement villages or sheltered accommodation. As of 2023, HousingCare.org listed over 20,000 housing and care schemes across the UK.
CareHome.co.uk: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, CareHome.co.uk is a very popular commercial directory for care homes in the UK. It features ratings, reviews, and detailed profiles for thousands of care homes, alongside news and advice. Users can often request brochures directly. Why it’s a top alternative: Very comprehensive with extensive user reviews and a wide range of care home listings, making it a direct competitor in terms of directory size and user feedback.

Each of these alternatives offers a distinct value proposition, whether it’s regulatory oversight, charitable support, consumer advocacy, or user-generated insights. For a truly comprehensive and secure search for elderly care, it’s often advisable to cross-reference information from several of these reliable sources.

Autumna.co.uk Pricing

Autumna.co.uk’s pricing model is notably transparent and user-friendly, setting it apart in a sector where costs can often be convoluted. Based on the information provided on their homepage, the core services offered to individuals and families searching for care are entirely free.

Free for Users

The website explicitly states:

“Our website is free to use”
“Click the button below to begin, it takes just a few minutes and is completely free.” (referring to the “Get your Free Shortlist” service)
This commitment to being free for the end-user is a significant advantage. It means that families can access a vast directory of providers, leverage advanced search filters, receive personalised shortlists, and benefit from expert advice without incurring any direct costs from Autumna. This approach removes a financial barrier that might otherwise deter individuals from seeking necessary guidance during a sensitive time.

How Autumna Sustains Itself

While the service is free for users, the business model for Autumna.co.uk likely involves charging care providers for enhanced listings or advertising within their directory. This is a common and ethical practice for online directories, where providers pay to increase their visibility or to access lead generation services. As long as this financial relationship with providers does not influence the impartiality of the advice given to families (which Autumna explicitly claims it does not, stating “we never take referral fees”), it maintains its ethical standing. It’s a win-win: users get free access to vital information, and providers gain exposure to a targeted audience. This model allows Autumna to invest in maintaining its comprehensive database, expert team, and user-friendly platform.

No Hidden Costs or Subscriptions for Families

The clear declaration that the service is “completely free” strongly implies there are no hidden subscription fees, premium tiers for users, or charges for accessing detailed information. This transparency is crucial for building trust, especially in a sector where families are often vulnerable and stressed by financial considerations related to care.

Costs Associated with Care Providers

It is important for users to understand that while Autumna itself is free, the actual care services found through their platform will involve significant costs. Autumna’s role is to help find and shortlist these services, not to fund them. The website’s blog posts like “Care home costs Wales: Key Insights” and YouTube videos such as “2024 Care Home Prices” directly address the financial aspect of care, indicating that Autumna understands the cost implications for families and provides resources to help them navigate these expenses. For example, average care home costs in the UK can range from £700 to £1,500 per week, varying significantly by location, care type, and facilities. Autumna’s function is to help users find options within their budget and understand the general cost landscape.

Autumna.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating Autumna.co.uk, it’s beneficial to compare its offerings and unique selling points against its key competitors in the UK elderly care and retirement living market. While many platforms exist, they often differentiate themselves through their business models, depth of information, or specific focus.

Autumna.co.uk: Key Differentiators

Impartiality (No Referral Fees): Autumna’s explicit statement, “we never take referral fees,” is a significant ethical differentiator. Many directories might receive commissions for successful placements, potentially influencing recommendations. Autumna aims to assure users that its advice is purely based on suitability.
Expert Advice Line: The availability of a direct phone line to “expert advisors” offering “impartial and independent advice” adds a human touch that not all online directories provide. This personal guidance is invaluable for complex and emotional decisions.
Comprehensive Database & Free Shortlist: With over 25,000 providers, Autumna boasts one of the largest UK directories. The “Free Shortlist” service is a proactive matching tool that streamlines the search, saving users time.
Focus on UK-Wide Coverage: The service is clearly positioned as the UK’s largest directory, indicating a strong nationwide reach.

Autumna.co.uk vs. CareHome.co.uk

CareHome.co.uk: This is arguably Autumna’s most direct competitor in terms of directory size and user engagement.
- Similarities: Both offer extensive searchable directories of care homes, feature detailed profiles, and provide information on different care types.
- Differences: CareHome.co.uk heavily features user reviews and ratings for individual homes, making it a strong platform for social proof and peer insights. Its business model often involves providers paying for premium listings and lead generation, which might potentially influence visibility (though they also claim impartiality). Autumna’s emphasis on “no referral fees” directly contrasts this and focuses more on the advisory aspect than pure review aggregation. As of 2023, CareHome.co.uk had over 1.5 million care home reviews.

Autumna.co.uk vs. CQC (Care Quality Commission)

CQC: This is the official regulator.
- Similarities: Both are focused on providing information about care providers.
- Differences: CQC is purely a regulatory body providing objective inspection reports and ratings based on statutory requirements. It is not a search and matching service. Autumna uses and refers to the need for quality care, but its primary function is connecting users with providers, not regulating them. Users would typically use Autumna to find options and then cross-reference with CQC reports.

Autumna.co.uk vs. Age UK

Age UK: A national charity.
- Similarities: Both offer advice and support for older people and their families.
- Differences: Age UK provides broader support across various aspects of later life (benefits, legal, well-being, local services) beyond just care search. While they offer general advice on finding care, they do not maintain a detailed searchable directory of individual providers like Autumna. Age UK’s advice is holistic; Autumna’s is focused on provider matching.

Autumna.co.uk vs. Which? Elderly Care

Which? Elderly Care: A consumer advocacy organisation.
- Similarities: Both offer independent advice and guidance.
- Differences: Which? provides in-depth, research-backed guides, checklists, and consumer reports, often requiring a subscription for full access. Their focus is on empowering consumers with knowledge rather than offering a searchable database of providers or a personal shortlist service. Autumna provides a direct matching and advisory service, whereas Which? provides the tools for users to do their own informed searching. In a recent Which? survey, 45% of respondents found it difficult to understand care home contracts.

Comparative Advantage

Autumna.co.uk’s strength lies in its blend of a comprehensive, free-to-use directory with a strong emphasis on impartial expert advice and a personalised shortlist service. This combination aims to reduce the burden on families by proactively matching them with suitable providers while ensuring unbiased recommendations. While other platforms excel in user reviews (CareHome.co.uk) or regulatory oversight (CQC) or broader support (Age UK), Autumna carves out a niche by focusing on a guided, unbiased search and matching process for the UK market.

How to Cancel Autumna.co.uk Subscription / Free Trial

Based on the information provided on the Autumna.co.uk homepage, there is no mention of a “subscription” or a “free trial” for end-users seeking care services. The website explicitly states:

“Our website is free to use”
“Click the button below to begin, it takes just a few minutes and is completely free.” (referring to their shortlist service)

This indicates that the services Autumna.co.uk provides to individuals and families searching for care are entirely free of charge and do not involve any subscription model or trial period that would require cancellation. Users do not need to sign up for an account or provide payment details to access the directory, use the search functions, or request a free shortlist.

No User-Facing Subscription Model

The business model for Autumna.co.uk likely involves charging care providers for listings or promotional services, rather than charging the end-users. Therefore, if you are a family or individual using Autumna.co.uk to find care, you will not have any ongoing financial commitment or a “subscription” to cancel.

Disengaging from Autumna’s Services

If you have used Autumna’s “Free Shortlist” service and provided your contact details, and you no longer wish to receive communications from them or use their advisory service, you can simply:

Stop engaging: You can simply cease using the website or responding to any communications (e.g., emails or phone calls related to your shortlist).
Request data removal: Under GDPR regulations, if you provided personal data to Autumna (e.g., through the shortlist request form), you have the right to request access to or deletion of your data. You would typically do this by contacting them directly via their advice line (01892 335 330) or any contact email provided in their privacy policy (which is not visible on the homepage text).
Manage cookie preferences: The homepage also mentions “Customize Cookies.” You can manage your cookie preferences to control how your data is collected for analytics or marketing purposes if you visit the site.

In summary, as an end-user of Autumna.co.uk, you won’t need to navigate a cancellation process because there’s no subscription or trial fee involved for accessing their core services. Your engagement is purely voluntary and free.

How to Cancel Autumna.co.uk Free Trial

As established, the Autumna.co.uk website, based on the provided homepage text, does not offer a “free trial” to its end-users because its core services (finding care, getting a shortlist, using the advice line) are already completely free. This is a crucial distinction and means there is no trial period that needs to be “cancelled” in the traditional sense.

Understanding Autumna’s “Free” Model

The phrase “completely free” is used to describe the “Get your Free Shortlist” service. This implies that this service is always free, not just a trial that converts to a paid subscription. Therefore, users are not entering into any financial commitment or a trial period that would automatically roll into a paid service. This model benefits the user by offering transparent, no-cost access to their extensive directory and advisory services.

No Cancellation Process for Users

Since there’s no financial trial period, there is no “cancellation” process required for individual users. You won’t find a “cancel subscription” button or a requirement to contact them to avoid charges.

What to Do if You No Longer Need Services or Communications

If you’ve used the “Free Shortlist” service or contacted Autumna for advice and no longer wish to receive communications or assistance, your actions are straightforward:

Simply Discontinue Use: You can simply stop using the website and not engage further with any follow-up communications (e.g., emails or calls from their advisors).
Request to be Removed from Contact Lists: If you have provided your contact information (name, phone, email) to receive a shortlist or advice, you can explicitly request to be removed from their contact lists. This is a standard right under data protection regulations (like GDPR in the UK). You would typically do this by:
- Calling their advice line: 01892 335 330 (during their operating hours).
- Looking for an unsubscribe link in any emails they send you.
- Checking their full website for a privacy policy or data request contact email (not provided in the homepage text).
Manage Cookie Preferences: The website provides a “Customize Cookies” option. You can use this to adjust your preferences for how your browsing data is collected (e.g., for statistics or marketing), which is good practice for privacy.

In essence, the simplicity of Autumna’s free model for users means that the concern of cancelling a trial is non-existent. Users can engage with their services as needed without the worry of hidden costs or complicated exit procedures.

FAQ

What is Autumna.co.uk?

Autumna.co.uk is presented as the UK’s largest online directory and advisory service for elderly care and retirement living options, helping individuals and families find care homes, home care, live-in care, and retirement living developments.

Is Autumna.co.uk free to use for families?

Yes, Autumna.co.uk explicitly states that its website and core services, including the free shortlist and expert advice line, are completely free for individuals and families searching for care.

How many care providers are listed on Autumna.co.uk?

Autumna.co.uk claims to list over 25,000 care providers across the UK, including more than 10,000 care homes and over 12,000 home care services.

Does Autumna.co.uk take referral fees?

No, Autumna.co.uk states that it is “independent” and “never take[s] referral fees,” aiming to provide impartial and unbiased advice to its users.

How does Autumna.co.uk make money if it’s free for users?

While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, it is common for such directories to generate revenue by charging care providers for enhanced listings, advertising, or lead generation services.

Can Autumna.co.uk help me find care in a specific UK location?

Yes, the website features a prominent search function that allows users to search for care providers by location, with quick links to popular areas like London, Manchester, and Kent.

What types of care can I find through Autumna.co.uk?

You can find information on care homes, home care services, live-in care services, and retirement living developments through Autumna.co.uk.

Does Autumna.co.uk offer personalised recommendations?

Yes, Autumna.co.uk offers a “Get your Free Shortlist” service, where their expert team provides a bespoke list of options tailored to your specific needs.

Is there an advice line I can call for help?

Yes, Autumna.co.uk provides a free advice line at 01892 335 330, staffed by expert advisors to offer impartial guidance.

What are the operating hours for Autumna’s advice line?

The advice line operates Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with an answerphone service outside these hours.

Does Autumna.co.uk provide information on care costs?

Yes, Autumna.co.uk’s blog and YouTube channel feature articles and videos discussing care home costs and pricing guides, such as “Care home costs Wales: Key Insights” and “2024 Care Home Prices.”

Can I read reviews of care providers on Autumna.co.uk?

While the homepage features testimonials about Autumna’s service, it doesn’t explicitly state whether individual care providers within their directory have public review sections. It’s advisable to check regulatory bodies like CQC for provider specific reviews.

How does Autumna.co.uk compare to CareHome.co.uk?

Autumna.co.uk focuses on impartial advice and a free shortlist, while CareHome.co.uk is also a large directory but heavily features user reviews and ratings for individual care homes.

Do I need to create an account to use Autumna.co.uk?

Based on the homepage text, there is no mention of needing to create an account to use the website or its search functions, nor to request a free shortlist.

What is the purpose of Autumna’s blog?

The blog provides informative articles and advice on various aspects of elderly care and retirement living, such as finding properties, understanding costs, and selecting nursing homes.

Are there videos available for care advice on Autumna.co.uk?

Yes, Autumna.co.uk has a YouTube channel linked from their homepage, offering “Bite-size elderly care advice” videos on topics like hospital discharge and care costs.

How often is the information on Autumna.co.uk updated?

While not specified on the homepage, a reputable directory like Autumna would typically update its provider information regularly to ensure accuracy and reflect current availability.

Does Autumna.co.uk offer support for finding specific care needs like dementia care?

While the homepage doesn’t explicitly list all specific care types, its detailed search and filter options imply that users can specify their needs, and their expert advisors would be able to guide them to appropriate services.

Is Autumna.co.uk regulated?

Autumna.co.uk itself is a directory and advisory service, not a direct care provider. The care providers listed on their platform are regulated by bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, and users are encouraged to check CQC reports.

What are the “Partners” mentioned on Autumna.co.uk?

The homepage mentions “Our Partners,” indicating collaborations with other organisations. While specific partners are not listed, this suggests a network of support aimed at enhancing the services offered to users.