The government has announced an increase in funding for nursing in care homes this year.

NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) rates provided to care homes are rising in April.

It will increase by 7.4 per cent for 2024 to 2025.

The standard weekly rate per person provided for NHS-funded nursing care, will increase from £219.71 to £235.88, with funding paid by the NHS directly to care homes who provide nursing care.

For the higher rate, it will increase from £302.25 to £324.50. This allows eligible care home residents with specific nursing needs to benefit from NHS-funded nursing care.

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.

Providing this nursing care also helps reduce the pressure on hospitals, and the government said the funding can be re-directed to help discharge medically fit patients into social care settings.

The government is additionally investing up to £700 million to make "major" improvements to the adult social care system. These include improving care workers’ skills and supporting career progression, investing in technology, and adapting people’s homes to help them live independently.