The Differences Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home

If you’re looking for a care home for yourself or a loved one, you might think you know exactly which type of care home you’re after.

However, although care homes and nursing homes seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences between the two. You may even discover that the type of care home you initially thought was the one for you isn’t best-placed to meet your care needs.

We know this can be frustrating at what is already an emotional and stress-heavy time, which is why we’re here to help you out. So, to learn more about the differences between a care home and a nursing home, read on for all you need to know!

What is a Care Home?

You often hear care homes referred to as residential care homes – which are essentially the most standard type of care home. 

In a residential care home, personal care is provided 24-hours a day by trained care assistants, also known as Healthcare Assistants or HCAs. 

Residents in a residential home tend to be elderly and unable to live independently. They might require support with day-to-day tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and getting around. 

Residents could also have degenerative health conditions commonly associated with ageing. 

Even if care home residents have a physical, mental or learning disability, they may be able to live in a residential care home without frequent medical treatment.

What is a Nursing Home?

In a nursing home, care is also provided around the clock, but in this case it will be Registered Nurses, or RNs, who provide the majority of the care, often with support from Care Assistants. 

Nursing care may include things like wound care and intravenous medication, as well as medical interventions. Some nursing homes also specialise in a specific health condition, such as cancer, dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental illness. 

For example, a specialist dementia nursing home will be fully equipped to care for individuals in the advanced stages of dementia, with the facilities and treatment to meet their needs.

If you have nursing care needs, you might be able to have the nursing care component of your care home fees paid for by the NHS – this is known as NHS-funded nursing care, or FNC. 

If you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, or CHC, your nursing home fees are paid for in full by the NHS.

What's the Difference Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home?

The main difference between a residential care home and a nursing care home is that nursing homes have qualified nurses who provide medical care, while residential homes have care assistants. These carers focus more on providing personal care (such as help with washing and bathing) and other support to residents as needed.

On the other hand, a qualified nurse can care for those with severe physical disabilities or a complex medical condition. This means that nursing homes provide a higher level of care.

The other main difference between residential care homes and nursing care homes is the price. As nursing homes require additional staff (including specially qualified nursing staff), staff training, equipment and facilities to meet residents’ more complex care needs, care costs are usually higher.

Residential Home Costs

When paying for your own care, the average weekly care home cost for a UK residential care home is around £1,387, while the average monthly cost is £6,010, based on the care homes we're partnered with.

Nursing Home Costs

The average weekly cost of a UK nursing home is around £1,545, while the average monthly cost is £6,695, based on the care homes we're partnered with.

Please be aware that these figures are only averages and you’ll find that care home fees vary across the UK, depending on where you live. Fees will also increase if you have more significant care needs.

Dual-registered Care Homes

Some care homes have the facilities to cater for residents who have both personal care and /or nursing care needs. These homes are known as dual-registered care homes. 

The advantage of dual-registered care homes is that the home can update and increase an individual’s care plan over time if their care needs change. 

This avoids the need to move the resident to a different home, which risks causing stress, upset and disruption to the person’s daily routine.

Independent Living

On your care home journey, you’ll probably hear about independent living. These are care homes or retirement properties that offer retirement-style accommodation in the form of a self-contained flat or apartment in a care home setting. 

Residents can rent or buy these flats as if they were living in their own private home – the only difference is that the building belongs to the care home and is located within the care home’s grounds. 

If you or your loved one can live independently and have no nursing needs, independent living could be a good option for you, as you can still enjoy the benefits of care home living, such as the dining, spa services, gardens and social activities.

Elderly Mental Infirm (EMI)

EMI stands for Elderly Mentally Infirm and is a term used for those who are living with advanced stages of dementia. 

Cases are assessed on an individual basis, looking at the person in question’s behaviour and care needs to work out whether they might require EMI care – and whether that care will be best provided by a residential care home or a nursing home.

For example, if someone with dementia is exhibiting aggression or other behavioural problems, or they frequently wander off and get lost, it is likely that a nursing home, perhaps with specialist mental health nurses who are specially trained to support that person and their needs, is the best option for them.

Which One is Right For You?

If you’re wondering whether you need a residential care home or a nursing home, the best thing to do is get a free care needs assessment.

This is conducted by your local council and will determine your care needs and the level of support you require. 

After you’ve done your needs assessment, you’ll have a much better idea of the type of care home you need and can start your search.

You can request a free care home shortlist from our care experts, who will share homes matching your budget, location and type of care needed. You can also search for a care home through our easy-to-use directory.