Nursing care homes

There are two main types of care homes: 

  • Residential homes are for people who can no longer cope at home and need extra help, such as providing meals and personal care.
  • Nursing homes are for people whose illness or infirmity requires nursing care on a regular or daily basis, so they have qualified nurses on the premises.

Some care homes provide care both with and without nursing. These are known as 'dual-registered' homes. The advantage of these homes is that if your needs increase you can continue to receive the right level of care without having to move again.

Many residential and nursing homes can offer placements on a short-term basis (respite), or more long-term or permanent care.

All care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). CQC regularly inspect homes to see if they meet the essential standards of quality and safety and publish what they find.

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