NHS-funded nursing care is care provided by a registered nurse for people who live in a care home. The NHS will pay a flat rate contribution directly to the care home towards the cost of this registered nursing care.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if:

• you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse
• you live in a care home registered to provide nursing care

How will my needs be assessed?

You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

Most people don't need a separate assessment for NHS-funded nursing care. However, if you do need an assessment or you haven't already had one, your clinical commissioning group (CCG) can arrange an assessment for you. Find your local CCG.

Outcome of the assessment

If you're eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.

If you're not eligible for NHS-funded nursing care and you don't agree with the decision about your eligibility, you can ask your CCG to review the decision.

What is the rate of payment for NHS-funded nursing care?

NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In April 2017, the rate was set at £155.05 a week (standard rate).

Before October 1 2007, there were three different levels or bands of payment for NHS-funded nursing care – low, medium and high.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the low or medium bands, you would have been transferred to the standard rate from that date.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In April 2017, the higher rate was set at £213.32 a week. You’re entitled to continue on this rate unless:

• you no longer have nursing needs
• you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing
• your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £155.05 a week, or
• you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead

Read the answers to more questions about caring, carers and long-term conditions.

Further information:

• Will the NHS pay for my long-term care? 
• What is NHS continuing healthcare?
• How will my eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare be assessed? 
• How do I register as disabled?
• Can I pick up a prescription for someone else?
• Choosing a care home
• Care and support
• Carers Direct helpline
• Department of Health: NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care (PDF, 113kb)
• Age UK: NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care