Care homes in Plymouth

Plymouth is a large, established coastal city in the South West with a higher-than-average share of older residents (26.3% aged 65+). It offers a mix of care homes, reasonable access to health services, and strong maritime and outdoor heritage — though crime rates warrant consideration, and fees sit above the national average.

Living in Plymouth
High Retirement Community
What do these badges mean?
  • High Retirement CommunityAn above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
Green SpacesC

Limitedparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

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

Daily ConveniencesC

Limitedshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

Based on Devon 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 Plymouth is about £955/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.

Care homes (59)
From £900/wk

Elburton Heights is a Harbour Healthcare care home in Plymouth, offering residential, nursing and dementia care for over-65s across 70 en-suite rooms with an…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £967/wk·Sanctuary Care

Nestled in the heart of Plymouth, Furzehatt Residential and Nursing Home is a haven of care and compassion, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £960/wk·Sanctuary Care

Nestled in the charming town of Ivybridge, Ivydene Care Home is a beacon of comfort and care in Plymouth. Offering a comprehensive suite of services such as…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
What care costs in Plymouth
Residential (avg)
£955/week
Dementia (avg)
£955/week
Nursing (avg)
£955/week

Is Plymouth a good retirement location?

Plymouth suits those seeking an active retirement in a substantial city with genuine community and waterfront appeal. The over-65 population is notably higher than the national average, so the infrastructure for later-life living is well-established. It's pricier than many regions, but offers access to green space, cultural venues and a supportive network of care homes. Families should weigh distance carefully: it's geographically removed from much of the South East and Midlands.

Health & support

  • Medical access: GPs and pharmacies are available throughout the city; Derriford Hospital (the major acute centre) is within the city.
  • Safety: Recorded crime includes violent crime and anti-social behaviour; this is higher than the national average and warrants factoring into your choice.
  • Family & connection: Plymouth's size means good local support, but distance from other regions may matter if your family is spread across the country.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care-home fees in Plymouth are above the national average; budget accordingly and compare schemes carefully.
  • Transport: Good bus networks and rail links connect to nearby Exeter and beyond; the city is car-dependent in parts, though the city centre is walkable.
  • Housing options: A range of care homes operate in Plymouth; choice exists, though you should visit and compare to find the right fit.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: The Hoe, waterfront walks and parks offer outdoor recreation; the city has arts venues, libraries and community groups.
  • Community: Social clubs, memory cafés and retirement networks operate locally; the established older population means good peer support.
  • Climate: Mild, maritime weather with regular rainfall — typical of South West coastal regions.

Things to weigh up

  • Crime rates: Recorded violent crime and anti-social behaviour are above average; visit at different times and speak to local residents and staff.
  • Cost vs provision: Fees are above the national average; weigh this against the quality and breadth of homes and local facilities before committing.
  • Distance from family: If your support network is in the Midlands or South East, travel times and costs may add up; clarify how often you'll see loved ones.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Plymouth?

There are 59 care homes listed in and around Plymouth 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 Plymouth cost?

Care homes in Plymouth range from around £900 to around £1,000 per week, with averages of £955 for residential, £955 for dementia, £955 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

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

The average residential care fee around Plymouth is about £955 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

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

53 of the 59 care homes in and around Plymouth are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 3 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Plymouth?

Homes in and around Plymouth offer dementia (11), residential (9), nursing (7), 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 Plymouth offer dementia care?

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

Yes — 4 care homes in and around Plymouth 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 Plymouth?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Devon 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 Plymouth?

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

Could the NHS pay for care in Plymouth?

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 Plymouth?

Start by shortlisting homes in Plymouth 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 Plymouth?

Care homes in Plymouth 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 Devon?

If you're widening your search beyond Plymouth, nearby areas with care homes include City of Plymouth, East Devon, Exeter, North Devon and South Hams. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Plymouth care expert.

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