About ShelterFind

Data and sources

We bring together public, provider and regulator information to make later-life housing easier to explore. We explain what information means, where it comes from when we can, and what still needs confirming.

Page reviewed: 23 August 2026

What we use

Different sources answer different questions

No single source tells the whole story. We use each source for the information it is best placed to provide, then keep the limits clear.

Used where it applies

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

CQC regulates health and adult social care services in England. Its information can help us identify regulated services and show relevant registration, report or ratings information.

How CQC data can be used

Used for

regulated service details
registration and report links
ratings where they apply

How we handle it

We acknowledge CQC information where it is used and follow its Open Government Licence terms. A CQC rating is not a rating of every type of housing, and it is never used to judge whether a home is right for an individual.

Used where it applies

Providers and property contacts

Providers and property teams can help us check practical information about a service, such as contact details, the type of housing offered and whether a page needs correcting.

Used for

contact details
property information
corrections and updates

How we handle it

Provider information is reviewed before it is published. Availability, fees, eligibility and care needs can change quickly, so people should always confirm these directly with the provider.

Research and review only

Publicly available and privately researched information

We use public information and privately researched leads to help identify services and facts that may need checking.

Used for

researching potential listings
identifying missing or conflicting details
supporting review

How we handle it

Being available online does not automatically make information reusable. We only publish it when its use is permitted, the source is recorded internally and the information has passed review.

In use

Existing directory content

Older directory pages and historical content help us preserve useful routes, explanations and context while the site is improved.

Used for

legacy routes
guidance and definitions
identifying information that needs a fresh check

How we handle it

Historical content is not treated as automatically current. We show an honest unknown or ask people to confirm with the provider when a fact has not been checked.

Our approach

Clear about what we know and what we do not

We separate a source date from a check date

A date on a listing may describe when a source last updated its information or when we last checked it. Neither date guarantees that availability, fees or suitability are current.

We do not fill gaps by guessing

If an important detail is missing or conflicting, we say it is not confirmed rather than making an assumption.

We keep research and publishing separate

Research can identify a useful lead. It does not become public listing information until the rights, source record and review requirements have been met.

Before you decide

Confirm the details that matter to you

A directory is a starting point, not a recommendation or a substitute for speaking with a provider. Always check availability, costs, eligibility, care and support, accessibility, tenancy terms and whether a place suits your circumstances.

Tell us about information that needs checking