Do I have to pay if I move into a care home?

Care homes provide accommodation, meals and personal care. This includes help with:

• getting in and out of bed
• going to the toilet
• washing
• dressing
• eating
• laundry
• shopping
• taking medicines

Some provide full nursing care round the clock. Care homes were previously known as either nursing or residential homes.

If you think you may need to move into a care home, you should contact your local social work office who can help you to:

• decide whether you should really move to a care home;
• find a suitable home; and
• understand your eligibility for financial support,
  including free nursing and personal care.

You may be expected to contribute towards the cost of your accommodation and personal care in a care home from your income and capital. Contact your local social work office to find out more.

If you need assistance to arrange and/or pay for the care that you feel you need in a care home, your local social work office will formally assess your care needs and ability to contribute towards the care costs.