Care homes and supported accommodation

Care homes

A care home is a place where you can live and get 24-hour personal care, such as help with washing, dressing and taking medicines. This differs from a nursing home, which provides nursing care by qualified nurses.

You may need to pay towards the cost of living in a care home, depending on your financial situation. We will arrange a financial assessment to establish what you will need to pay. We will also make sure you are receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to. See the section on paying for your care.

Supported living (extra care housing)

An alternative to a care home is supported living (also known as extra care housing). This is where adults can live independently or share a property with other people, with access to limited onsite care and support. 

Supported living often includes help with daily activities, access to healthcare and social opportunities, all provided within a setting that promotes independence. The support offered is personalised and centred on the individual’s needs.

A care needs assessment can help determine whether supported living is appropriate for you. The financial assessment will tell you whether you are eligible for financial support. 

If supported living isn’t right for you, there are other options to help you stay independent at home including care at home and occupational therapy.