What is a nursing home?

When the time comes to look for a care home for a loved one, it can be difficult and overwhelming identifying what type of setting is best suited to their needs.

‘Care home’ is a general term for residential care settings so it can cause confusion when looking at the different options available, such a residential care home, a nursing home, a retirement village or extra care housing.

Residents with a complex health condition, disability or on end of life care with medical needs, will find their needs are best met in a nursing home.

What is a nursing home and who is it for?

Nursing homes are also called residential nursing homes or care homes with nursing. They have qualified nurses to provide nursing care in addition to residential care.

Their purpose is to provide care and support for people with specific conditions or different types of disabilities who struggle significantly with daily life and need the added support. There is always at least one qualified and registered nurse on site.

This means residents have access to 24-hour medical care and skilled nursing support.

Staff are trained to care for people with a specific medical condition. They specialise in caring for people with a whole range of health conditions and disabilities such as dementia, severe learning disabilities and substance abuse.

Nursing homes are for people who cannot be cared for sufficiently at home because they need regular medical attention but do not need to go into hospital.

A person may have to go into one when they need intensive rehabilitative care following a stroke or are unable to swallow and require artificial feeding.

Nursing homes are for people with medical needs

• Severe physical disabilities
• Severe learning disabilities
• Complex conditions
• Sensory impairment
• Dementia
• Cancer
• Terminal illnesses

Staff in nursing homes are trained to identify symptoms and changes to residents’ conditions. They supervise and monitor the health of residents so they can quickly interpret and provide care as necessary.

In addition to care plans tailored according to residents’ individual medical needs, nursing homes arrange regular visits from GPs, physiotherapists and other experts to ensure residents receive the care they need.

Difference between nursing homes and care homes

Both types of settings provide care and support 24 hours a day, however, nursing homes are able to provide a higher level of care.

Nursing homes have qualified nurses on-site around the clock to provide medical care as needed whereas residential homes help people with personal care and support them to engage in physical activity.

Residential homes are mainly for older adults who are unable to cope at home and manage their personal hygiene, medication and toileting or struggle with mobility.

Both settings have regular social events for their residents and host entertainment in the home.

How much does a nursing home place cost?

The average weekly cost of living in a nursing home is around £1,528, compared to an average of £1,266 to stay in a residential home. The costs depend on where in the UK you live, what type of care you need and which provider you choose. These average figures are based on data gathered by carehome.co.uk for self-funding residents.

Nursing home fees are higher because they provide a higher level of care and can deal with more complex conditions compared to a residential home.

They need more staff, facilities, equipment and resources so they can offer comprehensive nursing care.

Who pays for nursing home care?

Who pays for nursing home care depends on a number of things, such as if you have to fund your care yourself or if your local authority helps with the costs.

Before moving into a nursing home, you should first request a needs assessment from your local authority. The assessment will determine if their social services have to contribute to the fees.

If you are a self-funder, there are several benefits available which can help you with paying for care, including Attendance Allowance (AA), Continuing Healthcare Funding (CHC) and Funded Nursing Care (FNC).

Funded Nursing Care is a flat rate contribution paid by the NHS to the nursing home to help towards the costs. Those eligible for Continuing Healthcare Funding will receive nursing care without charge, paid for by the NHS. To qualify for CHC, you must have a ‘primary health need’.

To find out more about fees and how to get help with the costs, read our Care home fees advice.

Video: An overview of the different types of care homes