Both care homes and nursing homes provide 24-hour support, however, nursing homes have registered nurses on site 24 hours a day meaning nursing homes are typically utilised by residents that require regular medical attention or experience severe physical disabilities. This means that the cost of a nursing home can be considerably more than the cost of a residential care home.

In England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care services. They ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care. They monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. They regulate all care and nursing homes in England regardless of whether they are provided by the NHS, local health authorities, or voluntary organisations.

Yes, many of our residents start with a short-term respite stay. This may be for a week or two following a stay in hospital or whilst family carers are on holiday. Respite stays are a great way to get to know the care home, meet the care staff and other residents and find out what life is like in our homes. We often welcome prospective residents and their families to join us for lunch or to join an activity with our residents if they would like to.

The cost of care and who pays for it will depend on personal circumstances. The amount payable for care can be influenced by several factors including: Savings or property: At least part of the care home costs may be paid for by a Local Authority depending on how much capital such as savings or a property the individual has.

The type of care and how much care is needed: The level of dependence and specialist care such as nursing will affect costs.

Individual care home fees: Each care home prices its’ services differently, however, all care home fees include accommodation, meals and laundry. Check how any extra costs such as hairdressing, entertainment or chiropody will be charged.

Your financial advisor or a specialist care fees advisor can help ensure that your care is funded for as long as possible, whilst safeguarding as much capital as possible.

It is common for people funding their own care to run out of money, when this happens the local authority will fund your care but they may not maintain the same payment levels. This means that a third party may have to top-up the fees. If you can no longer afford the care home fees or third party top up you should tell your Local Authority and care home.

This will depend on your individual situation, but care might be paid for in the following ways:

• Local Authority
• Self-funding
• NHS Continuing Healthcare (Nursing needs)
• A financial assessment will be conducted to establish whether the local authority will contribute towards care costs and if so, how much this will be.

If a person’s assets (including property) have a total value of less than £14,250 care bills will be paid in full by the State, although they may expect a contribution if certain benefits or any income are being received. A reducing scale of support applies between £14,250 and £23,250, based on a person contributing £1 a week for every £250 in assets over £14,250. In England, if savings or the value of a property exceed £23,250 an individual will need to pay for care costs themselves in full. A financial advisor or a specialist care fees advisor such as Eldercare will be able to advise on the best options for each individual situation.

Your accommodation, food, activities and entertainment are usually included in your care homes fees. In some care homes other additional sundries may be included so please ensure you check.

If your loved one requires specialist care such as a one-to-one nurse or carer you can fund this yourself in consultation with the care team at the care home.

All fees will be clearly outlined in your contract, check weather services such as hairdressing and chiropody are included.

Under normal circumstances, we welcome visitors to our homes at any time. Due to the changing nature of the coronavirus pandemic please contact your care home for the latest advice and guidelines.