Residential and care homes

Sometimes, as we get older, we may find it hard to live at home without a lot of help. Everyday things, like going up stairs or getting in and out of the bath, can become difficult.

If you or someone you care for can no longer live independently, moving into a residential or nursing home might be the best choice.

But before you decide, there are other options that could help you stay independent for longer, like sheltered housing, extra care housing, or getting help at home with things like cleaning, meals, or personal care.

When to consider a care home

A care home might be the best option if you:

• find it hard to live alone, even with help from family, friends, or carers
• have been assessed and its been suggested that a care home is the best place for your care
• have a complex medical condition that needs specialist care day and night

What do care homes provide?

Care homes offer:

• a place to live with meals included
• help with personal care like bathing, dressing, and using the toilet
• staff available 24 hours a day
• physical and emotional support
• care for short illnesses or recovery

There are two main types:

• Residential homes: These provide accommodation, meals, and personal care such as help with washing, dressing, and taking medicines. Some also offer activities like day trips. They do not provide nursing care.
• Nursing homes: These typically offer services for people that may need more medical attention. For example, people with: severe learning disabilities, severe physical disabilities or a complex medical condition that needs help from a qualified nurse – such as someone who has a colostomy or who is fed through a tube. They offer all the care services of residential homes but have qualified nurses on duty 24 hours a day. 

Some care homes are ‘dual-registered’ and provide both residential and nursing care. This means if your needs change, you can stay in the same home and get the right care.

Choosing a care home is an important decision. You should think about:

• what care you need
• what you want from your new home
• how much it will cost
• location and facilities

Most care homes are run by private companies or charities. Brent Council does not run care homes but can help you find one.

Age UK and Independent Age have helpful checklists and guides to choosing the right care home.

All care homes in England must be registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can check ratings and reports on their website. If you get help from Adult Social Services, your social worker will support you in finding the right home.

Arranging a care home

If you want help and advice with moving into a care home or paying for it, contact Adult Social Services and ask to talk to our team about your needs. 

If you prefer, you can arrange everything yourself, with support from family or friends.

Care home costs vary based on location, facilities, and the level of care you need.

Nursing homes usually cost more than residential homes because they provide nursing care.

If you qualify for help from the council, we will do a financial assessment with you to look at your income and savings to see how much you will need to pay towards your care.

You can also choose to pay for care yourself if you can afford it or prefer to arrange your own care. 

NHS Funding Support

If your needs are mainly health-related, the NHS may pay for your care through NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers all your care costs.

If you don’t qualify for this but still need nursing care, the NHS might pay a contribution to your nursing care home (called NHS-funded nursing care).