Care Home or Nursing Home? Differences, 2026 Prices and How to Choose

"Azil de bătrâni" and "cămin de bătrâni" mean the same thing. In everyday language, families use both terms to refer to the same type of institution: a residential centre where older adults receive accommodation, meals, personal care, and round-the-clock supervision. The difference is purely one of register — "cămin pentru persoane vârstnice" and "centru rezidențial" are the official terms used in legislation, whilst "azil" is the older term that has remained in common speech. In practice, virtually no licensed centre in Romania is officially called an "azil" today.

Where the confusion between azil and cămin comes from

The "azil" was the old-style institution, state-run and associated with austerity. After 1990, legislation replaced the term entirely: today we speak of cămine pentru persoane vârstnice (public homes administered by local councils or county councils) and private residential centres licensed by the Ministry of Labour. The minimum quality standards — facilities, staffing, individualised care plans — are the same regardless of the term used in everyday speech.

In practice: if you searched for "azil de bătrâni" and landed here, you're in the right place — you'll find the full list of centres in the directory of care homes and residential centres, with filters by county, price, and type of care.

Types of residential centres in Romania

The real choice is not between "azil" and "cămin", but between three forms of organisation:

• Private care homes — the most numerous. Admission is quick (typically within a few days), fees are paid in full by the family, and the range spans from standard centres to premium residences.
• Public (state) care homes — administered by social assistance directorates (DGASPC) or local councils. The monthly contribution is calculated based on the resident's income, but places are limited and waiting lists can stretch to months or even years.
• NGO or faith-based centres — costs are generally lower than private homes, sometimes with their own admission criteria.

Many families apply on two fronts simultaneously: they place their loved one on the waiting list for a public home whilst using a private care home until a place becomes available.

How much does a care home cost in 2026

The monthly cost depends on three factors: county, room type (single, double, shared), and the level of care required. As a general guide, base fees at private care homes start from a few thousand RON per month, whilst specialist care — dementia/Alzheimer's, palliative care, post-operative recovery — costs significantly more, as it requires additional qualified staff.

A few useful benchmarks before working out your budget:

• Check what the fee includes: some centres include everything (meals, administered medications, physiotherapy), whilst others charge separately for additional services.
• Compare the cost against the resident's pension — the difference is usually covered by the family. For a quick estimate, use the pension calculator and the care home cost calculator.
• Each county page in the directory shows the actual price range of listed centres — for example, care homes in București, Brașov, Sibiu, or Iași.

At public care homes, the monthly contribution is set by decision of the local authority and is calculated relative to the resident's net income — which is why it can be considerably lower than the fee at a private centre.

How to choose the right centre: 6 steps

1. Establish the care needs. Is your loved one independent, semi-dependent, or do they have conditions requiring round-the-clock supervision? The level of dependency determines the type of centre and the cost.
2. Set a realistic monthly budget — pension plus the family's contribution, over the long term, not just for the first few months.
3. Create a shortlist from the directory, filtered by county, budget, and care type, and compare facilities and family reviews.
4. Verify the operating licence. Every legally operating residential centre is licensed by the Ministry of Labour — ask for the licence number and check it.
5. Visit at least 2–3 centres in person, ideally unannounced: look at cleanliness, smell, how staff interact with residents, and what activities are actually taking place.
6. Read the contract before signing — the trial period, termination conditions, what happens if the resident's condition changes, and the fees for additional services.

A detailed visiting guide can be found in the visit checklist, and the full selection criteria are covered in the care home selection guide.

What documents are needed for admission

The exact list varies from centre to centre, but generally you will need: the resident's identity documents, recent medical records from their GP (diagnosis, current treatment, recommendations), and for public homes — an admission file submitted to the DGASPC, including a social assessment and proof of income. Private centres typically also require their own medical assessment prior to admission.

Frequently asked questions

Is an azil cheaper than a cămin?

No — since they refer to the same thing, there is no price difference between "azil" and "cămin". The real cost difference is between public centres (contribution based on income) and private ones (full fee).

Who pays for the care home if the pension isn't enough?

At private centres, the family covers the shortfall. At public homes, the law provides that family members may be required to pay the remaining contribution, depending on their own income. Some families combine the pension with rental income from the resident's property.

Are there care homes with places available right now?

Yes — many profiles in the directory include information about current availability, and the care home map lets you see them by area. Availability changes frequently, so confirm directly with the centre — or call the family helpline to receive free recommendations.

Can I move my loved one if they're unhappy?

Yes. Reputable contracts include a trial period and clear termination conditions — which is why it's important to read them before signing. Family reviews in the directory can help you avoid unpleasant surprises from the outset.

SeniorHelp is an independent directory — we do not operate care homes and we do not charge families any fees. We compare centres so you can make an informed choice, and our family helpline provides free recommendations tailored to your situation.