Residential and nursing home care
What is residential care?
Residential care is for people who can no longer manage living in their own home, even with support from home care services. You can stay in residential care for a short time (known as respite care) or over a long period. You would stay in a comfortable furnished room with staff available 24 hours a day.
In some places you can bring your own furniture with you. Meals are provided along with other facilities such as hairdressing, and you can come and go as you please.
Who is it for?
Residential care is available to older people and adults with a mental health problem or physical, sensory or learning disability. It can help you to continue living safely, whilst giving your carer peace of mind knowing you are in a safe and supportive environment.
What types of homes are there?
There are two main types of homes available:
Both provide 24 hour care. Nursing home care provides nursing care by qualified nurses, or under their supervision. It is beneficial for people who are ill, injured or frail.
How do I choose a home?
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) inspects all residential and nursing homes to make sure standards are maintained. Contact them for a list of homes by phoning the national helpline on 0845 015 0120 Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5.30pm, or email CSCI with your comments.
Once you have found a selection of homes that you think might suit you, phone the home and ask for a copy of their brochure. You should ask to speak to the manager of the home and arrange to visit them. Visiting the home will give you a chance to meet staff and residents, and talk to them about the home.
What do I need to look for?
It is crucial that you are happy in the home you choose to live in. You are making an important decision and you should not feel that you are being nosy or awkward when you are asking questions.
When you visit a home it is probably a good idea to take a relative or friend with you so that you can compare impressions. Take your time when you visit.
How much will it cost?
We will ask you to pay for or contribute towards the cost of residential care. This is the case whether you stay in one of our own homes or if we arrange for an independent provider monitored by the CSCI to provide it. The amount you pay depends on how much you can afford and is worked out when we make a financial assessment. Find out more about paying for services
How can I apply?
To apply for residential care you have to receive a community care assessment which assesses your needs. The money available limits the services that we can offer, and we cannot meet everyone’s needs all the time. Some people will have more important needs than others and the assessment process helps us find out whose needs are greatest.
Making a complaint against a residential home
We can provide information and guidance about making a complaint if you are concerned about the care that you, a friend or a relative are receiving in a residential home.
Looking after your property and pets
Details about how your property will be managed, bills paid or pets cared for.
