Types of care explained
“Care home” covers several different things, and choosing the right type is the first real decision — pick wrong and you may have to move your relative again later. Here's what each type means, who it suits, and roughly what it costs.
Residential care
A residential care home provides help with daily living — washing, dressing, meals, medication, and company — but not ongoing medical or nursing care. It suits people who can no longer manage safely at home but don't have significant medical needs. It's the most common type of care home and generally the least expensive.
Nursing care
A nursing home offers everything residential care does, plus a registered nurse on site around the clock. It suits people with medical conditions that need regular nursing — complex medication, wound care, or conditions like advanced Parkinson's. It costs more than residential care, but if a registered nurse is needed the NHS pays a Funded Nursing Care contribution towards the fee (see our paying for care guide).
Dementia care
Dementia care can be provided in either a residential or nursing setting, by staff trained in supporting people with dementia, usually in an environment designed to be safe and easy to navigate. Good dementia care is about specialist skill and environment, not just a locked door. As dementia progresses, needs can shift from residential to nursing, so ask any home whether it can support the full journey. It typically costs 10–20% more than standard residential care.
Home care (domiciliary care)
Not everyone needs a care home. Home care brings carers to the person's own home, from occasional visits to several times a day, and suits people who want to stay put and whose needs can be met with visiting support. For round-the-clock needs it can become more expensive than a care home, which is often the tipping point families weigh up.
Respite and short-term care
Most homes also offer respite care — a short stay, for example while a family carer takes a break or after a hospital discharge. It's also a low-risk way to try a home before committing to a permanent place.
Roughly what they cost
| Type | North East (typical weekly range) |
|---|---|
| Residential care | £800 – £1,100 |
| Nursing care | £950 – £1,300 |
| Dementia care | +10–20% on the above |
| Home care | £20 – £30 per hour |
Fees vary widely between homes. See the full costs guide for how they break down, or compare homes in your area by rating.