Care types
Residential care homes
Residential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
What is residential care homes?
A residential care home offers help with the tasks of daily life — washing, dressing, meals, medication and moving around — along with company, activities and a homely place to live.
Care staff are on hand throughout the day and night, but (unlike a nursing home) there isn’t a registered nurse on site around the clock.
Who it's for
- Someone who finds living alone difficult or unsafe
- People who need help with personal care but not ongoing nursing
- Anyone who would benefit from company and a supported routine
What it costs
In 2026, residential care costs on average around £1,298 a week for a self-funder, though this varies a lot by region and home.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care supports daily living; nursing care adds registered nurses on site 24/7 for medical needs, and costs more.
Who pays for residential care?
It’s means-tested — above £23,250 in assets (England) you usually self-fund; below that the council may contribute after an assessment.