Care homes in Derby

Derby is a working city in the East Midlands with a below-average over-65 population, making it less established as a retirement destination than many UK towns. It offers solid urban services and green space, though you'll want to weigh family proximity and the local crime picture carefully.

Living in Derby
Green SpacesC

Limitedparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Based on England data (town-level not yet available)

Daily ConveniencesC

Limitedshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

Based on England data (town-level not yet available)

How we grade areas

Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.

Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.

How care costs compare

The estimated average residential care fee in Derby is about £1,112/week, below the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

Council funding & top-up in Derby

The average residential care home in Derby costs about £1,112/week, while Derbyshire’s published usual rate is around £974/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £138/week (≈ £7,176/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Derby
£1,112/wk
Derbyshire usual rate
£974/wk
Likely top-up gap
£138/wk

Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Derbyshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes (16)
From £1250/wk·Adept Care Homes

Nestled in the heart of Alvaston, Derby, Kiwi House is a family-operated care home renowned for its exceptional residential, dementia, respite, and daycare…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £890/wk·Sanctuary Care

Nestled in the vibrant and multicultural Normanton district of Derbyshire, Sherwood Forest Care Home is a haven of comprehensive care services, including…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £795/wk·Adept Care Homes

Nestled in the heart of Derby, Douglas Court is a family-operated care home renowned for its exceptional residential, dementia, respite, and daycare services.…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1372/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the serene suburban village of Chellaston, on the fringes of Derby, you'll find Bluebell Park. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built care home is a…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £983/wk·Sanctuary Care

Nestled in the tranquil Chaddesden neighbourhood of Derbyshire, you'll find The Park care home, a haven of comprehensive care services. This includes…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1500/wk·Avery Healthcare

Situated near the scenic beauty of the Peak District in Derby, Middleton Lodge is a modern care home offering expert residential, dementia, and respite care.…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £995/wk

Derby Heights is a modern Avery Healthcare care home in Littleover, Derby, offering residential, dementia and respite care, rated CQC Good.

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1250/wk·Danforth Care

Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Littleover, Derby, you'll find Heatherton House, a state-of-the-art care home offering round-the-clock residential,…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1365/wk·Richmond Villages (Part of Bupa)

Nestled in the pristine South Derbyshire countryside, Richmond Villages is a meticulously designed retirement community situated in Aston-on-Trent. This…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £993/wk·Ashmere Derbyshire

Tucked away in the vibrant village of West Hallam, a stone's throw from Ilkeston, you'll find a 31-bed haven that exudes a unique sense of community. West…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £993/wk·Ashmere Derbyshire

Nestled near the bustling market town of Ilkeston and on the fringe of the vibrant city of Derby, you'll find Smalley Hall, a Grade II listed care home…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £950/wk·Aurem Care

Nestled in the quaint village of Kilburn, close to Belper in the heart of Derbyshire's Amber Valley, you'll find the Kilburn Care Home. This contemporary care…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1050/wk·Adept Care Homes

Nestled in the heart of Chilwell, near Beeston, Nottingham, you'll find Chetwynd House, a premium care home run by a dedicated family team. This esteemed…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1187/wk·Ashmere Derbyshire

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant community of Heanor, on the fringe of the serene Heanor Memorial Park, the newly established Ashmere Derbyshire home has…

RespiteResidentialDementia
What care costs in Derby
Residential (avg)
£1,112/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,112/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,093/week

Is Derby a good retirement location?

Derby suits people who want city-level services, good transport links and a lower cost of living without choosing a dedicated retirement town. With 15.8% of residents aged 65 or over — below the national average of 18.6% — it's not a traditional retirement hub, so the care-home market is smaller and less varied than in established seaside or commuter-belt areas. It works well if you have family or support networks in the East Midlands and value being near shops, hospitals and public transport over a quiet, retirement-focused community.

Health & support

  • Medical access: Derby city centre and surrounding areas have GP surgeries and pharmacies within easy reach; Royal Derby Hospital is the main acute provider for emergency care.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in April 2026 was 32 offences, with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and other theft among the most common types — broadly in line with other English cities, but worth checking current figures locally.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your family and support networks are; if they're scattered, a city location may help, but if they're far away, isolation can be a real risk.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: No local care-home fees are provided in the data; use the national average as your benchmark and request quotes from Derby-area homes to understand local pricing.
  • Transport: Derby has rail links to nearby cities and a network of local buses, making it reasonably walkable in the centre but car-dependent in some outlying areas.
  • Housing options: Care-home provision exists but is smaller than in established retirement areas; you may find fewer homes and less choice of schemes than in coastal or commuter-belt towns.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Derby has 11 parks and allotments; the local area supports outdoor leisure, though recorded social venues (restaurants, cafes and pubs) are limited in the immediate data snapshot.
  • Community: Look into memory cafés and support groups run by the local council or charities; a younger over-65 demographic may mean fewer retirement-focused social clubs than elsewhere.
  • Climate: As an East Midlands city, Derby experiences typical English Midlands weather: cool winters and mild summers, with regular rainfall.

Things to weigh up

  • Below-average retirement population: With only 15.8% aged 65 or over, Derby is not a natural retirement community; fewer peers and less established social infrastructure for later-life living may mean you build your own networks.
  • Crime baseline: Violent crime and anti-social behaviour are recorded; if personal safety is a priority, ask the care home directly about its neighbourhood and visit at different times of day.
  • Smaller care-home market: Fewer homes mean less choice; you may need to travel further afield or consider nearby towns if specific provision suits you better.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Derby?

There are 83 care homes listed in and around Derby on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Derby cost?

Care homes in Derby range from around £795 to around £1,500 per week, with averages of £1,112 for residential, £1,112 for dementia, £1,093 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Derby compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Derby is about £1,112 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Derby are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

70 of the 83 care homes in and around Derby are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 5 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Derby?

Homes in and around Derby offer dementia (19), residential (16), respite (14), nursing (9). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Derby offer dementia care?

19 care homes in and around Derby offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Derby offer respite care?

Yes — 14 care homes in and around Derby offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

Can I get council funding for care in Derby?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, East Midlands Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.

What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Derby?

A care home's weekly fee in Derby usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.

What's the difference between residential and nursing care?

Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Derby may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Derby?

If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.

How do I choose a care home in Derby?

Start by shortlisting homes in Derby by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.

Who regulates care homes in Derby?

Care homes in Derby are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.

What other nearby areas have care homes in East Midlands?

If you're widening your search beyond Derby, nearby areas with care homes include Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Derby care expert.

Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.