Residential Care Homes in England
Residential care homes provide 24-hour personal care for older people or adults who need help with daily living but do not require on-site nursing. Staff help residents with washing, dressing, meals, and social activities. Residential care is often the right choice when someone can no longer safely live at home but does not yet need the medical support provided by a nursing home. All residential care homes in England are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Browse Residential Care Homes by City
Browse Residential Care Homes by Council Area
What to Look for in a Residential Care Home
When choosing a residential care home, visit at different times of day to get an honest picture of the home's atmosphere. Look at how staff engage with residents during meals and activities — are people acknowledged by name? Is the environment homely and personalised? Ask about the activities programme and whether the home supports residents to maintain outside relationships and hobbies. Review the CQC inspection report, paying close attention to the "Caring" and "Responsive" domains. Ask how the home manages when a resident's needs increase — will they have to move to a nursing home, or can the home provide additional support? Continuity of care is especially important for people with dementia or anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a residential care home?
A residential care home provides 24-hour personal care for people who need help with daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, and meals, but who do not require on-site nursing. They offer a safe, supported home environment for older people or adults with care needs.
Who is residential care suitable for?
Residential care is suitable for people who can no longer safely live at home due to frailty, disability, or support needs, but who do not have complex medical conditions requiring nursing care. Many residents have dementia, mobility difficulties, or age-related conditions.
How much does residential care cost in England?
Residential care typically costs £700–£1,100 per week in England, varying by location. Local councils may fund part or all of the cost for people who meet the means-test threshold (assets below £23,250 in England). Self-funders pay the full fee directly to the home.
What is the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes do not have registered nurses on site — staff provide personal care but cannot administer nursing treatments. Nursing homes have qualified nurses available 24/7 for medical care. People in residential care whose health needs increase may need to transfer to a nursing home.