You may need to consider moving to a care home if you:
- can no longer stay in your own home, even with extra help and after home adaptations
- need more help than sheltered housing or extra care housing can provide
Choosing a care home
It is important to find a home that is going to provide the right level of care to meet your needs.
The main types of care homes are:
Residential care homes
These homes provide 24-hour help with personal care such as eating, washing and taking medication.
Residents can still get healthcare from GPs and district nurses as they would if they were at home.
Nursing care homes
These homes provide 24-hour nursing care. They are for people with more complex needs who need regular medical attention.
Other types of care homes
There are also care homes that provide:
- both residential and nursing care (known as dual registered care homes)
- specialist care for people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems
Some care homes also offer short-term placements. For example, if you are recovering from an illness, a hospital stay, or if your carer needs a break (known as 'respite care').
Our residential and short breaks service
We run a residential and short breaks service in Essex.
You will need to contact Adult Social Care for an assessment before you can use this service.
Bridgemarsh Residential Home
CQC Rating: Requires improvement Inspection report published on 16 January 2019 See the full inspection report.
Longwood Place
CQC Rating: Good Inspection report published on 22 May 2018 See the full inspection report.
Magdalen Close Hostel
CQC Rating: Good Inspection report published on 8 March 2018 See the full inspection report.
Tudor House
CQC Rating: Good Inspection report published on 25 July 2019 See the full inspection report.
Find a care home
Finding a care home that's right for you or your loved one can be daunting.
If you are looking for a care home for an older person, you can use the Essex Care Search website. You can refine your results by the type of care home, location and the facilities they provide.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) allows you to search for local care homes. You can also read their guide on what can you expect from a good care service
Healthwatch offers independent advice on health and social care service. Read their guide on five steps to follow when choosing a care home.
Age UK offers advice on finding a care home.
Your care and support needs
If you are considering a care home for yourself, contact Adult Social Care for a chat about your care and support needs. They will look at the best option to meet these needs.
Paying for a care home
Most people have to pay something towards their care and support. How much you pay depends on your income and assets.
Find out more about paying for care and support.
Third-Party top-ups
A third-party top-up is for an individual who:
- receives care or support from an ECC provider
- would like to proceed with a package that is more expensive than a providers, which the council would expect to pay towards
For more information, please read the Adult Social Care charging policy.
Paying for your own care (self-funding)
If you are not eligible for financial support, you will have to pay the full cost of your care home fees.
It is a good idea to talk to an independent financial expert to get accurate and impartial advice.
Even if you are paying for your own care home fees, you can still contact us to have a chat about your care and support needs.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit to help older people who need extra help with care costs. GOV.UK has more information on Attendance Allowance.
Report a concern
If you are concerned about someone not being treated properly in a care home, report it.