Care homes to receive increased funding for nursing

Increased funding for nursing in care homes will support tens of thousands of care home residents with nursing needs, including those with learning and physical disabilities, with an 11.5% increase in 2022-23 and an estimated £87 million backdated for 2021-22.

The standard weekly rate per person, provided for NHS-funded nursing care, has increased by 11.5% from £187.60 to £209.19 for 2022-23 and will be backdated to 1 April.

In recognition of the additional time and work provided by nurses in care homes during the pandemic, a retrospective uplift on the 2021-22 rate has also been applied providing an estimated additional £87 million to the sector.

The funding is paid by the NHS directly to care homes who employ registered nurses. This allows care home residents with specific healthcare needs to benefit from direct nursing care and services.

Registered nurses provide support to people with a variety of needs, including people with learning disabilities, those living with enduring physical or mental health needs and various conditions associated with old age. This type of nursing requires a range of skills and training, with the extra funding supporting this important role.

The additional funds will help cover the costs of nursing care and support the staff that provide it ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of residents and all those who rely on it.

Minister for Care Gillian Keegan said: “Our brilliant adult social care nurses work tirelessly to support people living with a variety of health needs.

“Increasing the weekly rate and the retrospective uplift reflects the cost of this vital work which is carried by our valued and skilled workforce to help those who need it.

“It is right we continue to review the cost of this care to ensure nurses can continue providing excellent care and support the needs of their residents.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said following the news: “Care England has focussed tirelessly on FNC since 2015 to secure a rate payable to reflect the challenges of providing nursing care in a sector troubled by workforce shortages, rising agency costs and increasing resident dependency. We commend the Department of Health and Social Care for recognising the cost increases faced by providers and the impact of the pandemic on our valued nurses. As we move forward, we must seek longer-term solutions to the national nursing shortage and the difficulties the sector has recruiting nurses and slowing the rates of attrition.”