Nursing Homes for MS, Huntington's and Other Complex Conditions (2026)

In short: people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington's disease or motor neurone disease (MND) often need a home with nursing care and staff who know the condition. Specialist places are limited, especially for younger people, so start with the charity for the condition, and ask every home about its experience. If someone's needs are complex enough, the NHS may pay for all of their care.

What to look for

The Huntington's Disease Association suggests looking for a home with:

• staff who have had training in the condition;
• access to speech and language therapists, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist;
• links to a neurological specialist, so the person's condition is reviewed regularly;
• a clear end of life policy.

These are good questions for any complex neurological condition. If nursing care is needed, the home must be registered to provide it, so also ask whether it can provide nursing later if needs increase.

Younger people

Many people with these conditions need care before they are 65. The MS Society points out that not all care homes that care for younger people are also registered to take people over 65, so if moving again later is a worry, ask about it when you visit. It also mentions Leonard Cheshire, which has care homes for younger disabled people.

AskBart's directory focuses on care homes for older people, so for someone under 65, the charity for their condition and the council's social worker are the best places to start.

Your right to choose

If you pay all of your own fees, the choice of home is yours, although the home still decides whether it can offer a place. If the council pays some or all of the cost, the home must meet the council's terms and the cost must be acceptable to it. The council should still offer a choice of suitable homes.

Who pays

• NHS Continuing Healthcare: in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, people with very complex health needs may qualify, and it can pay all the costs of a home that provides nursing. NHS Continuing Healthcare explained.
• NHS-funded nursing care: in England, the NHS pays £267.68 a week (2026/27) towards nursing care for eligible residents.
• The council: the rest of the cost is means-tested. Check where you stand.
• Benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the main benefit for people under State Pension age, and isn't means-tested.

Planning ahead

Some conditions can make it harder to speak or remember over time. The MS Society suggests thinking early about how you would want decisions made. A lasting power of attorney lets people you trust make decisions for you if you can't.

Related guides

• CQC Ratings Explained: What Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate Mean
• Residential vs Nursing Dementia Care: Which Does Your Parent Need?

Sources

• Huntington's disease and care (Huntington's Disease Association)
• Quality assured care home directory (Huntington's Disease Association)
• Finding a care home (MS Society)
• Minister for Social Care writes to councils to accelerate MND care access (GOV.UK blog, August 2026)
• Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK)