Last updated:
6th March 2025
Before considering a care home
Types of care homes
There are 2 types of care homes:
- Residential care homes: provide 24-hour care, including assistance with personal care such as washing, dressing, using the toilet, and having meals.
- Nursing homes: offer the same as residential care homes, but also provide 24-hour medical care from qualified nurses
Who care homes are for
Care homes provide support to people who are struggling with daily life at home. They may specialise in conditions such as:
- dementia
- mental health problems
- sensory impairments (deafness, blindness or duel sensory loss)
- significant learning disabilities
- autistic spectrum disorder
- alcohol and drug dependency
- eating disorders
Before considering a care home
Before deciding to move into a residential or nursing home, it is important to explore all the available options, including:
- Support to remain in your own home, such as:
- equipment or making changes to your home
- assistance with meal preparation, cleaning, or gardening
- help with personal care, including washing and dressing
- technology solutions, such as sensors, electronic reminders, or medical dispensers
- Seek advice
- several national charities offer free advice and information about housing and care options:
- Plan for your future care costs
- Residential or nursing home costs vary widely, so consider:
- your savings and how long they will last
- whether you may need financial support in the future
- consider whether you may need financial support from the Local Authority in the future and the importance of remaining with the same care home.
- More information on paying for care homes and financial support can be found on our paying for care and support web page.
- You may also benefit from independent financial advice.
- Residential or nursing home costs vary widely, so consider:
