Nursing care facilities (nursing homes) provide 24/7 nursing care and accommodation for people with complex health needs. They offer medical care from qualified nurses alongside personal care and support.
What is a Nursing Care Facility?
A nursing care facility provides:
- Nursing Care: Care from qualified nurses 24/7
- Medical Support: Support with complex health conditions
- Accommodation: Private or shared rooms
- Personal Care: Help with daily living tasks
- Rehabilitation: Support with recovery and rehabilitation
- Specialist Care: Care for specific conditions
Who Needs Nursing Care?
Nursing care is suitable for people who:
- Have Complex Health Needs: Require ongoing medical care
- Need Nursing Support: Need qualified nursing care
- Have Chronic Conditions: Long-term health conditions requiring monitoring
- Are Recovering: Need rehabilitation and recovery support
- Have Terminal Illness: Need palliative and end-of-life care
Types of Nursing Care
General Nursing Care
- Care for various health conditions
- Support with medication and treatments
- Monitoring of health conditions
- Rehabilitation support
Specialist Nursing Care
- Dementia nursing care
- Mental health nursing
- Physical disability nursing
- Terminal and palliative care
- Rehabilitation nursing
Finding a Nursing Home
Assessment Process
- Health Assessment: Assessment of your health and care needs
- Nursing Assessment: Assessment of nursing care requirements
- Financial Assessment: Assessment of ability to pay
- Finding Homes: Help finding suitable nursing homes
- Visiting: Visit potential nursing homes
- Choosing: Select the right nursing home
What to Look For
- CQC Rating: Check Care Quality Commission ratings
- Nursing Staff: Are there enough qualified nurses?
- Medical Facilities: Are medical facilities adequate?
- Specialist Care: Can they meet your specific needs?
- Location: Is it accessible for family and healthcare?
- Cost: Can you afford the fees?
Funding Nursing Care
NHS Continuing Healthcare
- Free nursing care if you have primary health needs
- Assessed by NHS
- Covers all care costs
- Not means-tested
Funded Nursing Care
- NHS contribution to nursing care
- For people in nursing homes
- Covers registered nursing care
- Additional costs may apply
Local Authority Funding
- May fund care if you have limited means
- Financial assessment required
- May need to contribute
- Top-up fees for more expensive homes
Your Rights
Rights
- Right to quality nursing care
- Right to be treated with dignity
- Right to privacy
- Right to be involved in care decisions
- Right to complain
- Right to see your care plan
Care Quality
- Care should meet your health needs
- Nurses should be qualified and registered
- Medical care should be appropriate
- Home should be clean and safe
- Medication should be managed properly
Regulation
Care Quality Commission
Nursing homes are regulated by the CQC, which:
- Inspects homes regularly
- Checks nursing care standards
- Rates homes on quality
- Takes action if standards aren't met
- Responds to concerns
Browse Nursing Care Providers
Find nursing care facility providers in your area. All providers should be registered with the Care Quality Commission and meet regulatory standards for nursing care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nursing care facility?
A nursing care facility (nursing home) provides 24/7 nursing care from qualified nurses alongside accommodation and personal care. They are for people with complex health needs requiring medical care.
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 nursing home cost?
Nursing home costs vary, typically £800-£2,000 per week depending on location, facilities, and care needs. NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund care if you have primary health needs.
Who is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
People with primary health needs may be eligible for free NHS Continuing Healthcare. This is assessed by the NHS and is not means-tested. It covers all care costs.
What should I look for in a nursing home?
Check CQC ratings, ensure there are enough qualified nurses, verify medical facilities are adequate, check if they can meet your specific health needs, and ensure the home feels right.
Are nursing homes regulated?
Yes, all nursing homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects homes, checks nursing care standards, and publishes ratings.
Can I choose my nursing home?
Yes, you can express preferences. If you're eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, you may have more choice. Local authorities may have limits on funding for other placements.
What if I'm not happy with my nursing home?
You can raise concerns with the home manager, complain to the local authority or NHS, contact the CQC, or use advocacy services. You have the right to move if you're not satisfied.
What types of nursing care are available?
Nursing care can include general nursing, specialist dementia care, mental health nursing, rehabilitation nursing, and palliative care. Homes may specialise in specific areas.
How do I know if I need nursing care?
A health assessment will determine if you need nursing care. If you have complex health needs requiring ongoing medical care and monitoring, nursing care may be appropriate.