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On average, nursing care in the UK costs £1,558 per week or £6,751 per month.

You can read our full guide to care home costs in the UK.

The main difference between residential care and nursing care is the level of medical help on offer. Residential care homes support people with everyday tasks like washing, dressing, and enjoying meals and activities, but they don’t have nurses on-site. They’re a good fit for those who need some day-to-day help but not ongoing medical care. Nursing homes provide the same personal care but with trained nurses available 24/7. This makes them more suitable for people living with health conditions that need regular monitoring or medical attention, like after a hospital stay, or for those living with dementia or long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s.

Nursing care in a care home is suitable when someone has a medical condition that requires regular attention from trained nurses, either short-term or long-term. This might include ongoing care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, or after a stroke, as well as support with recovery after surgery or help with managing medication and wound care. If you or a loved one needs round-the-clock medical support, especially alongside help with daily tasks, a nursing home can provide the right level of care in a safe and comfortable setting.

You might be able to get help with nursing care costs through NHS-funded nursing care, which covers the nursing part of your care home fees. The NHS pays a set weekly amount directly to the care home if you’re eligible.

To qualify, you must live in a nursing home and have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse, but not be eligible for full NHS Continuing Healthcare (which is another form of NHS funding that fully covers the cost of a care home). Most people are assessed for this automatically, but if not, your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) can arrange it.

NHS-funded nursing care doesn’t cover your full care home costs (like accommodation or meals), but it does reduce what you pay overall. If your care is funded by the local authority, the NHS contribution is passed to them. If you’re paying privately, your fees should be lowered by the NHS amount.

If your needs change – for example, if you no longer require nursing care or move to a different type of home – the funding may stop.

In most cases, no. If you have the mental capacity to make decisions about your own care, social services cannot force you into a nursing home or care home, even if they believe it’s the best option.

However, if someone is unable to make decisions for themselves and their needs aren't being safely met at home, social services can arrange a move into a care home in their best interests. This would only happen after a full assessment, and other care options would be considered first.

Nursing homes provide specialist care for a wide range of health conditions, whether short-term or ongoing. They're especially suited to people who need regular medical support from trained nurses, alongside help with everyday tasks.

Some of the conditions nursing care can support include:

• Post-stroke care – For those recovering from the effects of a stroke, with support to regain strength and independence.
• Neurological disorders – Such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease and ALS. These conditions often need round-the-clock monitoring as symptoms progress.
• Long-term health conditions and physical disabilities – Like arthritis, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, where daily care and mobility support are essential.
• Rehabilitation after illness or injury – For those who aren’t ready to return home straight away and need short-term nursing care to support their recovery, including through convalescent care.
• Palliative care – Compassionate care that encompasses end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life for those with terminal illnesses.

Yes, nursing homes are typically more expensive than residential care homes. This is because they provide 24-hour medical care from qualified nurses, in addition to the personal care and daily living support offered in residential care. If someone has been assessed as needing nursing care, the NHS may contribute towards the nursing part of the fees, which can help reduce the overall cost. The average weekly cost of a nursing home in the UK is £1,558, compared to £1,406 for a residential care home.

Moving into a nursing home is a big step, and it’s completely natural to wonder what everyday life will look and feel like — especially if your loved one is living with complex health needs.

While clinical care is at the heart of a nursing home, life isn’t only about medication and routines — it’s about creating a sense of comfort, familiarity, and dignity for every resident.

Each person has their own private space, often with room for personal belongings that bring comfort — whether that’s a favourite armchair, family photos, or a familiar blanket. Care plans are tailored, meaning support is adapted around individual needs, whether that’s daily nursing care, mobility support, or help with personal routines.

But there’s also time for connection, conversation, and enjoyment. Residents are encouraged to take part in gentle activities, from music and crafts to time in the garden or simply having a cup of tea in the lounge. Meals are shared in a social setting, often freshly prepared and tailored to personal tastes.

Family visits are welcomed, and many homes go out of their way to involve relatives in care planning and day-to-day life — helping residents stay connected to what matters most.

Nursing care is provided by registered nurses who are supported by teams of experienced care staff. These nurses are trained to deliver medical care such as wound management, administering medication, monitoring health conditions, and supporting people with long-term or complex needs. The care team will also help with everyday tasks like personal care, meals, and mobility — all with compassion and patience.

All nursing homes in the UK are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and are regularly inspected to ensure they meet high standards of safety and care.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but if your loved one has regular medical needs that go beyond what can be safely managed at home or in a residential care setting, a nursing home might be the right step.

You might notice increasing issues with mobility, complex medication routines, difficulty managing chronic conditions, or the need for more specialist dementia support. If caring at home has become too difficult or unsafe, it may be time to explore round-the-clock care in a setting with trained nursing staff.

Nursing homes are specially equipped to support people living with more complex health conditions — both physical and neurological. This includes advanced dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis, long-term mobility challenges, and recovery after hospital stays.

Some nursing homes also provide specialist support for palliative care, PEG feeding, wound care, or cancer-related needs. Every resident has a personalised care plan, and nurses are trained to respond to changing health needs with expertise and compassion.

Yes — and for many families, knowing they can visit freely brings huge peace of mind. Most nursing homes offer flexible visiting hours, and many have quiet lounges or private spaces so you can spend time together in comfort. Whether it’s a cup of tea in their room, joining them for lunch, or bringing in a family photo album, visits are a chance to stay close and connected. Exact visiting hours vary from home to home, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Care teams also regularly update you and often involve families in planning and decisions, so you always feel part of your loved one’s care journey.