Are All Care Homes Private?

There are thousands of residential and nursing homes in the UK. Most care homes are privately owned by independent companies. Others are run by local authorities, NHS foundation trusts or charitable organisations.

Each care home can differ with regards to fees, quality of care and services offered. In this guide, we'll explain who funds care homes in the UK and how many care homes are private. We’ll also discuss how private and public care homes differ, and how to find the best care homes in your area.

How Are Care Homes Funded in the UK?

In the UK, there are over 17,000 care homes for older adults. Around two thirds of these are residential homes, providing assistance with daily living for those with limited care needs. Others are care homes with nursing, which can accommodate residents requiring more complex medical care.

Some residential and nursing homes are privately owned by companies, voluntary organisations or charities. However, others are run by local authorities (councils) or NHS trusts.

Care homes in the UK are funded primarily by the fees paid by care home residents. For those with limited savings, the council may cover some or all of the cost. The NHS may also contribute towards the nursing care component, if required.

NHS and council funded care homes may also receive government subsidies to cover some of their operating costs.

How Many Care Homes Are Privately Owned?

Privately owned care homes, such as KYN, are established and run by independent companies. As such, they are not dependent upon receiving funding from the government or NHS.

The vast majority of residential and nursing homes in the UK – around 84% – are privately owned. Some are run by small, independent organisations. Others are part of larger operators that may oversee several residences across the country.

Not-for-profit charities and voluntary organisations own approximately 13% of UK care homes. NHS trust and council run care homes make up the remaining 3%.

What Is the Difference Between Public and Private Care Homes?

All care homes provide daily care and assistance with residents’ needs. This may include things like eating, dressing and bathing. When comparing care homes, it’s important to consider the quality of care and how much the service costs. 

Quality of Care

All care homes in the UK are assessed by an independent regulator of health and social care. So, regardless of whether they are private or council-owned, they are all are subject to the same rules and guidelines. The independent regulators are:

• England: The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Scotland: The Care Inspectorate
• Wales: The Welsh Care Inspectorate
• Northern Ireland: The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

Both private and council care homes are inspected regularly and awarded a rating. Any care home that receives an ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ rating will have regulatory action taken against them. Most residential and nursing homes in England – around 82% – have a CQC rating of ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.

Each individual care home’s rating will differ. However, the overall distribution of ratings for private and council-owned care homes is similar.

Fees

All residential and nursing homes, whether private or publicly owned, charge residents a fee based on their individually assessed care and accommodation needs. This may be paid weekly, monthly or annually, and covers the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Heating and other utilities
• Laundry
• Meals
• Round-the-clock care and assistance with everyday living
• Nursing care (in the case of nursing homes)

There is no set fee for care homes in the UK, so costs can vary. This may depend on factors such as the number of employees and the range and quality of facilities offered.

In some cases, private care homes can be more expensive than council-run or NHS care homes. However, anyone with limited savings can apply to their local council for help with care home fees. This applies whether you choose a private care home or one run by a local authority. Visit the NHS website for more details.

How Can I Find Private Care Homes Near Me?

If you’re looking for private care homes (UK), a good resource is the Care Quality Commission. You can use the tool on their website to find care homes in your area. Simply select ‘care homes’ from the drop-down menu and input your town, city or postcode.

You’ll then be shown a list of residences near you and their contact details. The site will also list who the home is run by, along with their most recent inspection rating. If you can’t find the residence you’re looking for, check back later. It may have not yet received the results of its first inspection.

If you are looking for a private care home in London or the South East that provides the highest standards of care, contact KYN today. Request a brochure or arrange a visit to experience our beautiful homes for yourself.

Experience Exquisite Care with KYN

Our KYN care home in Bickley provides exquisite residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. Our private care homes in London and the South East are elegant, comfortable environments where residents can truly feel at home.

Our mission is to provide the highest standards of individualised, holistic care in beautifully designed, relaxing settings. Residents also enjoy the finest quality home-cooked meals and a varied programme of enriching activities to take part in.

To find out more about KYN luxury care homes, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.