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Care homes in Brighton

Brighton is a lively seaside town with a well-established older population — 26.6% of residents are over 65, well above the national average. It offers plenty of care homes, strong community life, and vibrant social options, though urban living comes with higher crime and care costs.

Living in Brighton
High Retirement CommunityGreen SurroundingsWell Served
What do these badges mean?
  • High Retirement Community — An above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
  • Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
  • Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyC

Limited — safer than 6% of similar areas

Based on Brighton and Hove data (town-level not yet available)

Green SpacesA

Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Based on Brighton and Hove data (town-level not yet available)

Daily ConveniencesA

Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

Based on Brighton and Hove 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 Brighton is about £1,632/week, above 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 Brighton

The average residential care home in Brighton costs about £1,632/week, while Brighton and Hove’s published usual rate is around £1,124/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £508/week (≈ £26,416/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Brighton
£1,632/wk
Brighton and Hove usual rate
£1,124/wk
Likely top-up gap
£508/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 Brighton and Hove’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes (74)
AllDementiaNursingResidentialRespite

Red Oaks Care Home

CQC Outstanding
From £1800/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the heart of the charming village of Henfield and enveloped within 2.5 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, Red…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
What care costs in Brighton
Residential (avg)
£1,632/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,560/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,508/week

Is Brighton a good retirement location?

Brighton suits active, sociable retirees who value cultural life, easy access to shops and eating out, and don't mind urban bustle and cost. The 65+ population is notably higher than the national average (26.6% vs 18.6%), which shows it's a settled retirement destination with good peer networks. However, care-home fees are generally above the national average, and recorded crime is a real consideration for anyone drawn to quieter settings. It's ideal if family support is nearby and you want a vibrant seaside community; less so if you're on a tight budget or prefer smaller-town peace.

Health & support

  • Medical access: The town has several GP surgeries and pharmacies within the built-up area; Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute care locally.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in 2026-04 was 865 offences, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common categories — above typical UK urban levels, which matters if safety is a priority.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your family or support network is: Brighton's popularity with older people means established peer groups, but daily care from relatives will depend on your own situation.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care-home fees in Brighton are generally above the national average for the region. You'll need to factor in higher South East costs; compare individual homes carefully to your budget.
  • Transport: Brighton has good bus links and mainline rail connections to London and other cities, making it easy to reach family or medical centres further afield. The seafront and town centre are walkable; outlying areas are car-dependent.
  • Housing options: A range of care homes operate across Brighton, offering different sizes and levels of support. Choice exists, but popular homes fill quickly — early enquiry is wise.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: The town has 42 parks and 20 allotments, plus extensive seafront walks. With 438 restaurants and cafes and 186 pubs and bars, there's abundant social eating and drinking; cultural venues, theatres and the LGBTQ+ community add to social life.
  • Community: Brighton's established older population means memory cafés, retirement groups and support networks are active. The town has a strong volunteering and arts culture.
  • Climate: As a South Coast location, Brighton has a mild maritime climate — less frost than inland, but damp and breezy. Winters are typically cool rather than harsh.

Things to weigh up

  • Crime and urban living: Recorded crime is above UK averages and shoplifting is common in busy town centres. If you're sensitive to noise, crowds or petty theft, quieter seaside towns nearby may suit better.
  • Care costs: Fees are at the higher end of the regional and national scale. Check what's included and compare across several homes before committing.
  • Busy environment: Brighton is lively and crowded, especially in summer and at weekends. Some retirees thrive here; others find constant activity tiring.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Brighton?

There are 74 care homes listed in and around Brighton 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 Brighton cost?

Care homes in Brighton range from around £1,200 to around £1,840 per week, with averages of £1,632 for residential, £1,560 for dementia, £1,508 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

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

The average residential care fee around Brighton is about £1,632 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

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

69 of the 74 care homes in and around Brighton are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 2 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Brighton?

Homes in and around Brighton offer dementia (11), nursing (11), residential (11), respite (8). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Brighton offer dementia care?

11 care homes in and around Brighton 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 Brighton offer respite care?

Yes — 8 care homes in and around Brighton 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.

How safe is the Brighton area?

Brighton is graded C for safety on AskBart (based on Brighton and Hove) — safer than 6% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Brighton?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Brighton and Hove 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 Brighton?

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

Could the NHS pay for care in Brighton?

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 Brighton?

Start by shortlisting homes in Brighton 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 Brighton?

Care homes in Brighton 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.

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