Question 1

Which nursing homes in the South West offer nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Our directory currently lists 518 nursing homes across the South West, ranging from small independent houses to larger group-run services. Examples from the listings include Henford House, Amesbury Abbey Care Home, Wiltshire Heights Care Home, Trevaylor Manor and Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home. Each home varies in the type of nursing it provides, so it is worth filtering by location and by any specialisms such as dementia nursing or palliative care. You can view the full list on this page and open individual profiles for more detail.

Question 2

What is the difference between a residential care home and a nursing home in the South West?

Accepted Answer

A residential care home provides personal care, help with washing, dressing, meals, medication prompts and daily activities, but it does not have qualified nurses on duty. A nursing home is registered to provide the same personal care and also has registered nurses on shift twenty four hours a day, which is required when someone has ongoing clinical needs. These can include complex wound care, PEG feeding, catheter management, insulin by injection, or advanced palliative care. If in doubt, a care needs assessment will make clear which registration category is appropriate.

Question 3

What should I ask when visiting a nursing home in the South West?

Accepted Answer

Ask how many registered nurses are on duty during the day and at night, and how the home covers nursing absence. Ask how care plans are written and reviewed, how the home works with GPs, district nurses and hospital teams, and how families are kept informed if a resident's condition changes. It helps to ask about food choices, activities, visiting arrangements and end of life care, and to see a sample room rather than only the show room. Reading the most recent CQC report alongside your visit gives useful context.

Question 4

How do I arrange a care needs assessment in the South West?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the local authority's adult social care team directly and request an assessment, or ask a GP, district nurse or hospital discharge team to make the referral for you. The assessment is free and is available to anyone who appears to need care and support, regardless of income. A social worker or assessor will look at daily needs, safety at home, clinical needs and the views of the person and their family. The outcome is a written record that guides both the care plan and any funding decision.

Question 5

Can the local authority fund a nursing home placement in the South West?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the local authority can contribute to nursing home fees where a financial assessment shows that the person's capital is below the national threshold and their eligible needs meet the criteria. Where the person is assessed as having a nursing need, the NHS also pays a set weekly amount known as NHS-funded Nursing Care directly to the home. If the primary need is a health need, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of the placement. Homes and social workers can help you understand which route applies.

Question 6

How far in advance should I start looking for a nursing home in the South West?

Accepted Answer

Where possible, it helps to begin looking as soon as nursing care seems likely, even if a move is still weeks away. Popular homes in the South West can have waiting lists, and starting early gives time to visit several options, read CQC reports and complete a care needs assessment without pressure. In hospital discharge situations the timescale is often much shorter, sometimes only a few days, so it is worth shortlisting two or three homes in advance if a family member's health is declining. Speaking to homes early also lets you understand fees and any funding routes before decisions have to be made.

Nursing Homes in the South West

504 nursing homes in the South West (showing 501–504)