asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the number of individuals selling their home each year in order to pay for nursing care.

The department does not collect that information.

National Health Service care, including nursing care and continuing care, is free at the point of delivery.

Social services care is means-tested, based on an individual's assets, and is provided by local councils.

Since 2001, no one has had to sell their home in order to enter a care home, as they can agree a deferred payment with their council, which is claimed back later. Under this scheme, the council meets the cost of the care-home place, and these costs are recouped from the estate of the resident on death.