Residential vs Nursing Homes
The key differences between residential and nursing care, and how to decide which is right.
Read guideResidential care
Residential Care Homes in Wales
Compare residential care homes across Wales offering personal care, daily living support, meals and companionship in safe, home-like settings that promote independence and wellbeing.
At a glance
What this type of care is
Residential care provides a permanent home with personal care and support with everyday living — without the 24-hour clinical care provided by a nursing home.
Who it is suitable for
- Older adults who find living independently difficult
- People who need help with washing, dressing or medication
- Anyone who would benefit from regular meals and companionship
- Families wanting a safe, supportive environment for a loved one
Typical services provided
- Personal care and help with daily routines
- Cooked meals and snacks
- Housekeeping, laundry and room cleaning
- Social activities and companionship
- Support coordinating GP, dental and other appointments
Residential care in our directory
A selection of care homes across Wales offering residential care.
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How to choose a residential care home
Practical guidance to help families make a confident, informed decision.
- 1
Decide whether residential care is the right level — your GP or local authority can help with an assessment.
- 2
Shortlist homes near family and friends, since regular visits make a real difference.
- 3
Read the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) report for each shortlisted home.
- 4
Visit each home in person, ideally more than once and at different times of day.
- 5
Make sure you fully understand the weekly fee, what's included and the terms of the contract.
Key questions to ask
- What is included in the weekly fee, and what costs extra?
- How are care plans created and reviewed?
- What does a typical day look like for residents?
- How does the home support independence and dignity?
- What activities, outings and social events are offered?
- How are family members kept informed and involved?
Residential care across Wales
Browse care homes in major Welsh local authorities, or explore every area on the counties page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a residential care home?
- A residential care home provides accommodation, meals and personal care for people who need support with day-to-day living but do not require 24-hour nursing.
- Who is residential care suitable for?
- It usually suits older adults who find living independently difficult and would benefit from help with washing, dressing, medication reminders, meals and companionship.
- What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
- Residential care covers personal care and daily living support. Nursing care additionally includes 24-hour care from qualified nurses for people with more complex medical needs.
- Can residential care homes support people with dementia?
- Some can, depending on the level of need. Many homes offer specialist dementia care — see our dementia care homes page for more information.
- How are residential care homes inspected in Wales?
- Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulates and inspects care homes in Wales and publishes inspection reports for each registered service.
- How much do residential care homes cost in Wales?
- Fees vary by location, the size of the room and the level of support provided. Always ask each home for a written breakdown of weekly fees and what's included.
- How do I find a residential care home near me?
- Use our directory to search by town, postcode or local authority and filter by residential care to compare homes across Wales.
Recommended reading
Care Home Costs in Wales
Typical weekly fees for residential, nursing and dementia care, and what influences the price.
Read guidePaying for Care Homes in Wales
Self-funding, means-tested support, local-authority funding and top-up fees explained.
Read guideNursing Homes in Wales
Nursing care explained — 24-hour clinical support, costs, and choosing a nursing home.
Read guideDementia Care Homes in Wales
Specialist dementia care, what to look for in a memory-care home, and support for families.
Read guideChoosing a Care Home in Wales
A step-by-step guide to shortlisting, visiting and choosing the right care home for a loved one.
Read guide
Find the right residential care home for your family
Search by town, postcode or local authority and compare care homes across Wales.
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