Residential care homes provide 24/7 care and accommodation for older people and adults who need ongoing support. They offer a safe, supportive environment with professional care staff available around the clock.
What is a Residential Care Home?
A residential care home provides accommodation and personal care for people who need help with daily living but don't need nursing care. Care homes offer:
- 24/7 Care: Professional care staff available at all times
- Accommodation: Private or shared rooms with facilities
- Personal Care: Help with washing, dressing, eating, etc.
- Meals: All meals provided
- Activities: Social activities and entertainment
- Safety: Secure environment with support available
Who Needs Residential Care?
Residential care is suitable for:
- Older People: Seniors who need help with daily living
- People with Physical Disabilities: Those who need assistance with personal care
- People with Learning Disabilities: Adults who need ongoing support
- People with Mental Health Needs: Those who need structured support
- People Who Can't Live Alone: Those who need 24/7 care and support
Types of Care Homes
Residential Care Homes
- Personal care and support
- Help with daily living tasks
- No nursing care provided
- Suitable for people who don't need medical care
- Regulated by CQC
Specialist Care Homes
- Dementia care
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health
- Physical disabilities
- Specialist facilities and staff
Finding a Care Home
Assessment Process
- Care Assessment: Local authority assesses your care needs
- Financial Assessment: Assessment of your ability to pay
- Finding Homes: Help finding suitable care homes
- Visiting: Visit potential care homes
- Choosing: Select the right care home for you
- Moving In: Support with the transition
What to Look For
- CQC Rating: Check Care Quality Commission ratings
- Location: Is it accessible for family and friends?
- Facilities: Are facilities suitable for your needs?
- Staff: Are staff trained and experienced?
- Activities: What activities and entertainment are available?
- Cost: Can you afford the fees?
Funding Care Homes
Local Authority Funding
- Full Funding: If you have limited means
- Top-up Fees: If you choose a more expensive home
- Deferred Payment: Delay selling your home
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: For people with complex health needs
Self-Funding
- Paying for care yourself
- Using savings and assets
- Selling your home
- Equity release schemes
- Care fees insurance
Your Rights in a Care Home
Rights
- Right to be treated with dignity and respect
- Right to privacy
- Right to make choices about your care
- Right to complain
- Right to have visitors
- Right to see your care plan
Care Quality
- Care should meet your needs
- Staff should be trained and qualified
- Home should be clean and safe
- Food should be nutritious
- Activities should be available
Regulation
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
All care homes are regulated by the CQC, which:
- Inspects care homes regularly
- Rates homes as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate
- Takes action if standards aren't met
- Publishes inspection reports
- Responds to concerns
Browse Care Home Providers
Find residential care home providers in your area. All providers should be registered with the Care Quality Commission and meet regulatory standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a residential care home?
A residential care home provides 24/7 accommodation and personal care for people who need help with daily living. Care staff are available around the clock to provide support.
What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?
Care homes provide personal care and support, while nursing homes provide nursing care from qualified nurses. Nursing homes are for people with more complex medical needs.
How much does a care home cost?
Care home costs vary significantly, typically £600-£1,500 per week depending on location, facilities, and care needs. Local authorities may fund care if you have limited means.
How do I find a good care home?
Check CQC ratings, visit potential homes, talk to staff and residents, consider location and facilities, and ensure the home can meet your specific care needs.
Can I choose my care home?
Yes, you can express preferences, though local authorities may have limits on funding. You can choose a more expensive home if someone pays top-up fees.
What should I look for when visiting a care home?
Look for cleanliness, friendly staff, happy residents, good facilities, activities available, quality of food, and whether the home feels right for you or your loved one.
Are care homes regulated?
Yes, all care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects homes and publishes ratings. Homes must meet regulatory standards.
What if I'm not happy with my care home?
You can raise concerns with the care home manager, complain to the local authority, contact the CQC, or use advocacy services. You have the right to move if you're not satisfied.
Can I have visitors in a care home?
Yes, care homes should allow visitors. There may be visiting hours, but homes should be flexible. During health emergencies, there may be restrictions for safety.
What happens if I can't afford care home fees?
Contact your local authority for a financial assessment. If you have limited means, the local authority may fund your care. You may need to contribute based on your income and assets.