Care Northcare are communal settings where nursing and/or personal care is provided in addition to accommodation. People living in a care home have their own bedroom, usually with an en suite bathroom, and meals are provided. Residents might also receive social and recreational activities, and support to get out and about. People who need a care home are assessed by their local council who arranges the care they receive. Some people might be able to get help paying for their care home fees, but this depends on the results of a check carried out by their local council, called a financial assessment.

Fordmill care home in Montrose, Fife is one of the best in Scotland. The home provides residential, dementia and respite care in a homely environment close to the town centre and the beach.

Top-Rated Care Homes in Central Scotland: A Comprehensive Guide

It is a good idea to visit a care home before moving in. This gives you a chance to meet staff and other residents and see the place. You can also ask questions.

There are no legal differences between residential care and nursing homes but people who need 24-hour nursing care or who have very complex needs might prefer a nursing home as it tends to have higher levels of staffing. The Ferret has spotted that homes operated by the private provider, HC-One, have had more complaints upheld against them than any other provider in Scotland. This includes Tranent Care Home in East Lothian which was rated inadequate for oral health, continence and record keeping.