Care homes in Blackburn

Blackburn is a diverse, busy town in the North West with a slightly above-average older population (21.1% aged 65+). It offers a range of care homes and good transport links, though crime levels are a consideration worth weighing against its community strengths and relative affordability.

Living in Blackburn
Green SpacesC

Limitedparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

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

Daily ConveniencesC

Limitedshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

Based on Lancashire 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 Blackburn is about £1,138/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 Blackburn

The average residential care home in Blackburn costs about £1,138/week, while Lancashire’s published usual rate is around £790/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £348/week (≈ £18,096/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Blackburn
£1,138/wk
Lancashire usual rate
£790/wk
Likely top-up gap
£348/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 Lancashire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes (92)
From £950/wk·Rochcare

Nestled in the picturesque town of Burnley, amidst a serene landscape teeming with woodlands and wildlife, lies a spacious care home renowned for its…

RespiteResidentialDementia
What care costs in Blackburn
Residential (avg)
£1,138/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,138/week

Is Blackburn a good retirement location?

Blackburn suits families looking for straightforward, cost-conscious care in an established town with decent local services. The older population share sits above the national average, showing it's a familiar retirement area. However, recorded crime is on the higher side, so it's worth checking the safety record of any specific home and the neighbourhood where you'd be living.

Health & support

  • Medical access: Several GP surgeries operate across Blackburn; pharmacies are available in the town centre and residential areas. The Royal Blackburn Hospital is within the town, providing emergency and acute care.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in the most recent year was 32 offences, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common categories. This is higher than many UK towns and merits a direct conversation with any care home about their safeguarding practices and the immediate area.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your family network is to Blackburn and whether you'll want regular visits or local support.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Data on local weekly care-home fees is not available; contact homes directly to compare rates against the national average and your budget.
  • Transport: Blackburn has frequent bus services across the town and surrounding areas. Rail links connect to Manchester and Preston, making it easy to reach larger cities. The town centre is reasonably walkable, though some residential areas are car-dependent.
  • Housing options: A range of care homes operates across Blackburn, offering different sizes and levels of support. Check local directories for current availability and specialisms (e.g. dementia care, respite, permanent residential).

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Lammack Park and Corporation Park offer green space and walking routes. Local community centres run social groups and activities; enquire with individual homes about clubs and hobby opportunities.
  • Community: Blackburn has memory cafés and dementia-support groups; social networks and religious organisations provide connection for many residents.
  • Climate: North West England has a temperate maritime climate—expect regular rainfall and cool winters, typical for the region.

Things to weigh up

  • Crime levels: Recorded offences are notably higher than in many retirement areas; check specific neighbourhoods and the home's safety measures carefully.
  • Neighbourhood variation: Blackburn's character varies significantly between areas; visiting at different times and speaking to current residents will help you judge whether a particular location feels right.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Blackburn?

There are 92 care homes listed in and around Blackburn 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 Blackburn cost?

Care homes in Blackburn range from around £950 to around £1,400 per week, with averages of £1,138 for residential, £1,138 for dementia care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

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

The average residential care fee around Blackburn is about £1,138 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

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

75 of the 92 care homes in and around Blackburn are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Blackburn?

Homes in and around Blackburn offer dementia (10), residential (8), nursing (4), respite (4). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Blackburn offer dementia care?

10 care homes in and around Blackburn 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 Blackburn offer respite care?

Yes — 4 care homes in and around Blackburn 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 Blackburn?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Lancashire 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 Blackburn?

A care home's weekly fee in Blackburn 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 Blackburn may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Blackburn?

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 Blackburn?

Start by shortlisting homes in Blackburn 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 Blackburn?

Care homes in Blackburn 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 Lancashire?

If you're widening your search beyond Blackburn, nearby areas with care homes include Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Hyndburn and Lancaster. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Blackburn 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.