Arranging care in South Tyneside
South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council serves communities across the North East, including South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn and the Boldon villages. Whether you are looking for support along the riverside in Jarrow or closer to the coast in South Shields, the borough offers a compact but varied care landscape shaped by the needs of its residents.
How adult social care works locally
If you or a relative living in South Tyneside needs help with daily life, the first step is to contact the council's adult social care team. As a Metropolitan Borough, South Tyneside is responsible for arranging and overseeing adult social care across the whole area. A social worker will carry out a free needs assessment to understand what support would make a real difference, from help getting washed and dressed at home through to a move into full time care.
If the assessment shows you need support, the council will then complete a financial assessment to work out how much you contribute towards your care. This looks at income, savings and certain assets against the national capital thresholds. Some people qualify for full local authority funding, others contribute part of the cost, and some pay privately. NHS Continuing Healthcare may also be available where needs are primarily health related.
Choice of providers and typical fees
Families in South Tyneside can choose from around 50 CQC registered care homes, giving reasonable choice across residential care homes and nursing homes in South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn and Boldon. Alongside these, a network of home care agencies supports people who want to stay in their own home for as long as possible.
As a rough guide, home care in the North East typically costs from around £20 to £25 per hour, residential care homes generally range from about £750 to £950 per week, and nursing homes tend to sit higher at around £900 to £1,200 per week because of the added clinical support. Actual fees vary by provider and by the level of care needed, so it is always worth confirming current rates directly.
Getting started
A good starting point is a conversation with South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council's adult social care team, followed by visits to a shortlist of local homes or home care providers. Taking things one step at a time makes the decision feel much more manageable.
