Residential and Nursing Homes
A residential care home provides accommodation, meals and
personal care for older people, people with disabilities, or people
who are unable to manage at home, for whatever reason.
The level of care varies from home to home, but the Government
defines it as the kind of care you would receive from a competent
and caring relative. This includes: help with eating, washing,
bathing, dressing and toilet needs; and caring for you if you
become ill. However, residential care does not include nursing
care.
The decision to recommend a residential or nursing home will only
be made after a full assessment. If nursing home care is
recommended, then the local health authority also has to agree to
this. You can also consider homes in other local authority areas if
your needs will be better met there.
When choosing a home, it is important to make sure that you choose
one that will be right for you both now and in the future. You can
get advice and information to help you make this important decision
from:
- your social worker or care
manager
- a district nurse
- a health visitor
- your family
doctor
All residential homes, whether council-run or
private, are regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission
Related documents
Paying for
residential or nursing care
Paying for
residential or nursing care deferred payment scheme
A guide to
self funding