Nursing homes

A nursing home is for people whose illness or disability means they need nursing care on a regular basis.

If you meet the health authority's criteria for continuing long term care, the NHS will pay for accommodation in a nursing home. Continuing care would normally be offered if it would be hard for you to live in a non-nursing home or your own home.

If you are paying for care home costs privately, you can choose any home which accepts you.  If you choose to go into a home that is more expensive than your local social services department will pay for, you will need to pay the difference.

How to access residential care

Social Services and the health authority will carry out an assessment to determine if you, or your family member, can be placed in residential care. To find out more and who to contact, take a look at the social services care home information.