Home Care vs Care Home
Choosing between care at home and moving into a care home is one of the biggest decisions in later life. This table compares the main factors.
| Feature | Home Care | Residential Care | Nursing Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay in own home | |||
| Average weekly cost | £400–£1,200+ (depending on hours) | £800–£1,200 | £1,000–£1,500+ |
| 24-hour support available | Live-in care option | ||
| Nursing care included | District nurse visits only | ||
| Social interaction | Depends on existing network | Built-in community | Built-in community |
| Council means-tested funding | Yes (if eligible) | Yes (capital threshold £23,250) | Yes + NHS-funded nursing care contribution |
Care costs vary significantly by region and provider. Always get a care needs assessment from your local council as a first step.
Related guides
Home Care vs Care Home: Which is Right for You?
Many people strongly prefer to remain in their own home as they get older or as their needs increase. Whether this is possible depends on the level and nature of your care needs, the safety of your home environment, and the support available to you. This guide helps you compare home care and residential care to make an informed decision.
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Care Home Fees Overview
Care home fees vary widely across England, typically ranging from £700 to over £2,000 per week depending on the type of care, location, and quality of the home. Understanding what the fees cover, how council-funded rates compare to self-funder rates, and what top-up fees are can help you make informed choices.
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Paying for Social Care
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Care Needs Assessment Basics
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