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.

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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
Typical weekly cost (2025/26)	£400–£1,500+ depending on hours and location	£800–£1,400 per week	£1,100–£1,800 per week
Means-tested by council	Yes — financial assessment based on income and capital	Yes — capital threshold currently £23,250	Yes — capital threshold applies; NHS-FNC paid on top

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

Unlike the NHS, most social care in England is not free. Whether you receive care at home or in a care home, your local council will carry out a financial assessment to decide how much — if anything — you must pay towards the cost. Understanding the rules can help you plan and avoid unexpected charges.

8 min

Care Needs Assessment Basics

A care needs assessment is a free evaluation carried out by your local council to find out what help you need with daily living. Anyone who appears to need care and support has the legal right to ask for one under the Care Act 2014, regardless of their financial situation.

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Disclaimer

The information on this page was correct at the time of writing. Amounts, thresholds, and rules may change. Always check the latest official guidance.