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.
Work out the numbers for your situation: compare a care home with care at home, or check whether the council will help pay.
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.