Residential care homes
Care homes providing personal care, usually known as residential care homes, are for people who need 24 hour support. Residents have a room, sometimes with their own en suite bathroom, and access to shared facilities. These homes will help with personal care (getting up and going to bed, dressing, washing and toileting) as necessary, and they will supervise or administer medication. They provide all meals, and most will offer some social activities. They can normally provide care during short illnesses, but they do not provide long term nursing care. There will also be someone on call at night.
Care home charges
Charges in care homes vary considerably. People who need a care home, and have more than £23,250 (2021) in capital will have to pay for their care in full until their money goes down to this level. During the self-funding period they should also be able to claim Attendance Allowance. When their capital drops below the threshold, subject to an assessment, social services will pay towards the care up to their usual amount. The resident will lose their Attendance Allowance at that stage, and will contribute all their income except for a small personal expenses allowance, and will be expected to pay a tariff income from their remaining savings until these reduce to £14,250.
Factsheets about residential care homes
- Housing and care options for older people (EAC Advice)
- Choosing and Paying for a Care Home (EAC Advice)
- Care Homes: what to look for (Independent Age)