Residential and care homes

As we get older our needs change and some everyday tasks that we take for granted can become more difficult, such as getting up and down stairs or in and out of the bath.

There may come a time when you, or a loved one, can no longer live independently.

Residential and nursing care can be the best option if you or someone you know:

• is struggling to live alone – even with help from friends, family or paid carers
• had a needs assessment that suggested a care home is the best choice
• has a complex medical condition – that needs specialist attention during the day and night

The services they provide might include:

• meals and accommodation
• help with personal care, e.g. bathing and dressing
• staff available 24 hours a day
• physical and emotional care
• care as a result of a short illnesses

Moving into a care home is an important decision. You will need to think about what you want, the care that is needed and how much it will cost.  The sooner you work out what is needed, the better. It can help you having to avoid rushing into a choice that isn't right for your or your family.

There are 2 main types of care home:

• residential homes
• nursing homes

Some care homes offer both residential and nursing care places.

These are known as 'dual-registered' homes. The advantage of these homes is that if your needs increase you can continue to receive the right level of care without having to move again.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) divides both types of care settings into the following:

• old age (over 65) - for people who have physical illnesses more common in old age
• dementia (also known as EMI) - for people who have a dementia related illness
• mental illness - for people who have a mental illness other than dementia
• physical disability - for people who have a medical condition that affects them physically

Residential Homes

These provide accommodation and personal care, such as help with:

• washing
• dressing
• taking medicines
• going to the toilet
• Some care homes also offer activities, such as day trips.

Nursing Homes

These also provide personal care but there will always be one or more qualified nurses on duty to provide nursing care. These are sometimes called care homes with nursing.

Some nursing homes offer services for people that may need more care and support. For example, people with:

• severe learning disabilities, severe physical disabilities or both
• a complex medical condition that needs help from a qualified nurse – such as someone who has a colostomy or who is fed through a tube

The costs of care homes vary, often depending on where you live, the type of facilities provided and the amount and type of care you need.

Nursing homes usually cost more than residential homes because they provide nursing care.

The average cost of a care home in the UK is:

• around £600 a week for a residential home
• around £800 a week for a nursing home

Paying for residential care

You may be eligible for financial help from your local council. To find out if you eligible for care and support, you will need to apply for a care needs assessment. If this this concludes you need care in a care home, then we will carry out a financial assessment to work out the amount you will need to pay. This will look at your income and what assets you have.

You can choose to pay for care yourself if you can afford to, or if you don't want a financial assessment. You can approach most homes directly to organise your own care.

NHS Funding Support

If your needs are primarily health-based, the NHS will arrange and pay for your care under NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC). If you are eligible for funding, your care home place will be free.

If you do not meet the criteria for NHS CHC, but still require nursing care, the NHS may still pay a contribution towards the cost of your nursing care directly to the nursing home. This is called NHS-funded nursing care (NHS FNC).

There is more information about NHS continuing Healthcare on the NHS website.

Moving into a care home is a big step. It is important that you take the time to research different care homes and work out what your priorities are. 

Things to consider before choosing a care home:

• where it is (location) – for example, do you want to be close to family, friends or local shops?
• how much it costs
• whether they offer the right services or activities you need
• how visiting and leaving the care home works – for example, do you want to be able to go out on your own or with staff assistance?

Signs of a good care home include:

• staff and managers with the right time, skills and experience to do their jobs
• clean buildings, rooms and bathrooms
• a wide range of activities for residents at home and outside
• good quality food choices and options about where to eat meals
• fast and easy access to health professionals, such as GPs and dentists
• the care home makes sure any cultural, religious or lifestyle needs are met
• feedback from residents is asked for and used to improve care

To get more information about a care home you could:

• phone them
• visit their website
• request a brochure
• visit the care home
• request a temporary stay

There are also organisations that inspect care homes to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.

You might see a CQC inspection rating when you visit a care home or search online. There are 4 ratings:

• Outstanding
• Good
• Requires improvement
• Inadequate

You can also search for care homes on the Care Quality Commission website to see their full reports.