There are 2 main types of care homes: residential and nursing.
- residential homes are for people who can no longer cope at home. This could include providing meals and personal care
- nursing homes are for people who need nursing care on a regular or daily basis. They have registered nurses on the premises
Some care homes provide care both with and without nursing. These are known as 'dual-registered' homes. The advantage of these homes is that if your needs change you can get the right level of care without having to move.
Many residential and nursing homes can offer placements on a short-term, long-term or permanent basis.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all care homes. They inspect homes to see if they meet the essential standards of quality and safety. You can find their reports on their website.
The costs of residential homes vary. This often depends on the type of facilities provided and the amount and type of care you need. Most people will need to contribute towards residential care. You can find out more at Paying for residential services.
There are 2 types of NHS nursing care with different eligibility:
- NHS continuing healthcare - this is for people who have a primary health need
- NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) - is for people who have registered nursing care and social care needs. The NHS contributes to the cost of your nursing care
To find out more see Paying for health related care.
If you own your home, you can find out how this may affect how much you might have to pay at What happens to my home.
We do not run any residential or nursing care homes for older people in Surrey, although we may fund care. See A guide to paying for care to find out more.
NHS - Care Homes is a national website with information and helpful hints on:
- choosing a care home
- types of care homes
- trial periods in care homes
You can also search for care homes at:
If you, or a loved one, needs looking after 24 hours a day for your personal care or medical needs you, or they may be considering moving to a residential or nursing care home.
We've created some tips to help you prepare, know what to look for and what questions to ask. Being clear on expectations and understanding choices available to you will help you make the best decision for your long-term care and support or those of a loved one.
Moving a residential or nursing care home requires a continuation of your care arrangements. This may involve us and another local authority working with you whist you move, to ensure that your care and support (and any carer's support) are in place before, during and after your move, to provide you with an undisrupted care service and a smooth transition from one residential or nursing home to another.
If your capital exceeds £23,250 or you have sufficient income to meet the full cost of your care, you are considered a 'self-funder'. This means you must meet the full cost of services and we or another local authority will not make any financial contribution towards the costs of your care.
If you move into a residential or nursing care home permanently with savings below the threshold of £23,250 your home will not be included if, for example, your partner still lives there or, in certain circumstances, a relative.
If your capital is under £23,250 you might get some help from your local district or borough council, but you may still need to contribute towards the fees.
See the following websites for further advice: Changing care homes: What to do and Moving to an out of area care home
