Information about moving into a care home. Who has to pay. Check if you can get NHS continuing healthcare.
You may need to consider moving to a care home if you:
It’s important that you find a home that’s going to provide the right level of care to meet your needs.
The Care Quality Commission defines the different types of care services that it regulates in England.
Read its guide on what to expect from a good care service and search for care providers in your area.
Healthwatch offers independent advice on health and social care service, including 5 steps to follow when choosing a care home.
Age UK also offers advice on finding a care home.
Most people have to pay something towards their care and support.
How much you pay depends on your income and assets. Find out more about paying for care and support.
If you are not eligible for financial support from the council, you'll have to pay the full cost of your care home fees.
It's a good idea to talk to an independent financial expert to get accurate and impartial advice.
Even if you're paying your own care home fees, you can still chat to us about your care and support needs.
Consider applying for Attendance Allowance which is a benefit to help older people who need extra help with care costs.
NHS continuing healthcare is care arranged and funded by the NHS for those with ongoing and complex healthcare needs.
You can receive it outside of hospital, such as in your own home or a care home.
It’s free of charge and you will not be asked to pay a contribution.
You may be eligible if you’re over 18 and assessed as having a high level of care and support needs.
You need to have an initial checklist assessment by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or a social worker.
If this shows you could be eligible, you’ll get a full assessment from a specialist team from your local NHS integrated care system.
If you cannot get NHS continuing healthcare but are assessed as needing care from a registered nurse, you may be able to get NHS-funded nursing care. This is for people who cannot get NHS continuing healthcare, and live in a care home.
The NHS pays the care home for the cost of the registered nursing care.
The same assessment for NHS continuing healthcare will decide if you can get NHS-funded nursing care.
GOV.UK has guidance on the national framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS funded nursing. It includes the initial checklist assessment and decision support tool.