A 5% increase for 2023 to 2024 in the funding provided for care homes providing nursing, including for those with learning and physical disabilities, aims to reduce the pressure on hospitals enabling more patients who are medically fit to be discharged into social care settings.
The standard weekly rate per person provided for NHS-funded nursing care will increase by 5% from £209.19 to £219.71 from 1 April 2023 with funding paid by the NHS directly to care homes who provide nursing care. For the higher rate, it will increase from £287.78 to £302.25.
Registered nurses provide support to people eligible for NHS-funded nursing care 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 funded nursing care rate helps cover the costs of nursing care, ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of residents within nursing homes. The uplift for the 2023 to 2024 financial year is based on adult social care data which is quality assured and independently verified.
The government says it is making available up to £7.5 billion in additional funding over two years to support adult social care and discharge - with up to £2.8 billion available in 2023 to 2024 and up to £4.7 billion in 2024 to 2025. It adds this funding boost will put the adult social care system on a stronger financial footing and help local authorities address waiting lists, low fee rates and workforce pressures in the sector.
