Who are Care Homes right for?

Moving into a Care Home is a big decision and it can cost a lot of money. It’s important to consider your needs before choosing a care home. You should be clear about what level of support would most benefit you or your loved one and ensure the homes you look at can provide the right assistance. Before choosing a care home for you or someone you know, it's worth considering all of the options. Care homes can reduce the stress of looking after your health and care. This may help you focus on other things, like your social life and general wellbeing.

Residential care homes provide living accommodation with 24-hour support and supervision, including help with personal care needs, meals and social activities. Nursing homes provide all of the above services, plus on-site medical care from a registered nurse.

 

Who are care homes right for?

- When an older person is struggling to live alone, even with the help of carers, friends or family.
- If they have recently suffered a significant deterioration in their health or mobility, caused by an illness or a fall.
- If they need extensive support and supervision to live safely and comfortably, and this can no longer be provided at home by family and/or carers.
- When their personal home is no longer a suitable environment in which to have their care needs to be met.

 

What age do I need to be to move into a care home?
Anyone over the age of 65 can move into a residential care home either for retirement, for care assistance due to their health/mobility or simply if they want to live in companionship with others.

 

What's the difference between a Care Home and a Nursing Home?

Both nursing homes and residential care homes provide care and support 24 hours a day, however, the main difference is that a nursing home is able to provide a higher level of care. Nursing homes have qualified nurses on-site around the clock to provide medical care as needed whereas residential homes help people with personal care and support them to engage in physical activity.

 

What are the different types of care homes?

A Residential Care Home provides 24-hour personal and practical support that enables people to maintain their independence, if they wish, while offering assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing and housekeeping. They are regularly visited by district nurses and GPs meaning medical care can be provided when needed.

A Dementia Care Home provides a safe environment and specially adapted care plans for people living with dementia. The team recognise that the symptoms of dementia are different for each person. Usually, the team are dedicated dementia specialists.

Nursing Homes offers services for those with specialised nursing needs. You should consider nursing care if you have an illness or disability which means you require regular or complex nursing support.