Older people's bed-based care

This market position statement (MPS) explores the current position and future need for older people’s bed-based care (residential and nursing care) in West Sussex.

Residential care refers to accommodation and 24-hour personal care and support to people who cannot live independently but do not require nursing care. Residential care provides people with a home, care according to their needs (such as help with washing, dressing, toileting, administering medication and mobility), and social activities. People can go into residential care from a variety of routes including from hospital and may stay for a short time whilst providing respite for a carer at home or following a hospital stay, or indeed long term.

Nursing care refers to registered nursing care for people who have more complex or changing needs and require the care of a qualified nurse in addition to care and support. Nursing homes offer a qualified nurse on site around-the-clock, supported by care assistants, as well as social activities.

Both residential care and nursing care require providers to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

West Sussex County Council aims to maintain a sustainable market offering a range of good quality bed-based solutions that provide care for older people with the most complex social care needs, in the areas where it is most needed, now and into the future, that present value for money.

The Council does not foresee commissioning a net growth in residential care beds in West Sussex, although with an increase in high level needs identified in the wider population, some small levels of growth in complex care provision to support self-funders demand may be required. The focus for the Council will be on supporting the market to ensure the supply available is in the right place and meets the level of needs of West Sussex residents in the future.