Understanding your care options
From a few hours of help at home to round-the-clock nursing, the UK offers five main types of eldercare. This guide explains each option, who it suits, and what to expect on cost — so you can shortlist with confidence.
Choosing care for an elderly relative isn't a single decision — it's a series of small, considered choices. The best starting point is to think about day-to-day needs: how much help is required with washing, dressing, meals and medication; whether memory or mobility is changing; and how comfortable your relative is being on their own.
The five main care options
Home care
A carer visits your relative at home — flexible hours, no need to move.
Read the guideResidential care home
Round-the-clock care in a registered care home setting.
Read the guideNursing care
For people with complex medical needs requiring qualified nursing staff.
Read the guideDementia care
Specialist environments and trained staff for people living with dementia.
Read the guideLive-in care
A full-time live-in carer provides one-to-one support in the family home.
Read the guideHow to start: a free needs assessment
Every adult in the UK is entitled to a free care needs assessment from their local authority. The assessment looks at what help is needed and whether you might be eligible for funded support. You can request one before any care is in place — there's no obligation to accept services.
Funding the care you choose
Care can be paid for in three ways: self-funding, local authority funding (means-tested), or NHS Continuing Healthcare (for those with complex health needs). Most families end up using a combination. Our funding hub walks through each route, who's eligible, and how to apply.