Making the right decision will depend on your health needs, the level of care required, and personal preference.
Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision that ensure your wellbeing and comfort. Each option offers compassionate care tailored to your needs and the right choice will vary based on your specific circumstances.
Staying at home with support
Consider equipment, adaptations, or technology enabled care and support (TECS). See support at home for more details.
Supported living or extra care housing are schemes that can also help you to remain at living at home.
You can find out what support, equipment or services could help you live safely and well at home by completing our self-help tool.
Residential care
Residential care homes are designed for people who can no longer manage safely or comfortably at home. They provide accommodation, meals, and personal care such as help with washing, dressing, and medication.
Nursing care
Nursing care homes are suitable for people who need 24/7 access to registered nursing care and oversight.
If you have complex needs that cannot be met with support in your own home, you may need to consider a nursing home.
Some homes are dual registered, meaning they can offer both residential and nursing care in the same setting. This can be particularly helpful if your needs change over time, as you may be able to remain in the same home while receiving the right level of support.
Many care homes offer a range of placement options, including short-term stays, such as respite (sometimes known as replacement care), long-term care, or permanent accommodation.
Health needs vs social care needs
Health‑related needs arise from a medical condition and require treatment, supervision or monitoring from a nurse or other health professional.
Social care needs relate to daily living, independence, wellbeing and safety. This is support with everyday tasks rather than medical treatment.
If your needs are mostly health‑based, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), which can fund the full cost of care.