Care homes provide personal care, meals and accommodation to people who are unable to look after themselves. For example, help with washing and dressing or getting out of bed.
Some care homes also have registered nurses. They are for people with an illness or health problem that requires regular medical care. A qualified nurse will be on duty 24 hours a day.
The charity Age UK also provide useful information about choosing a care home.
Each home should provide information about what they offer, including information about:
- qualifications and experience of the staff
- number of places
- the most recent inspection report.
If you need information on anything else, such as looking after your pets, make sure you ask the home.
Care homes can be your long-term home. They can also offer short-term care. This could be for a few days (for example to give your carer a break) or a few weeks (for example while you recover from an operation).
If you need short-term care talk to your social care worker or contact us on 08449 80 80 80.
Almost everyone living in a care home has to pay something toward the cost of it.
How much you pay depends on your financial situation. See our Paying for Residential Care page for more information.
You should always know you how much you have to pay before you move into a home.
