Care Home – Residential and Nursing Homes
There will be occasions, when the level of care which is needed cannot practically or cost-effectively be provided in your own home on a permanent basis. Therefore consideration will need to be given to the facilities provided by residential and nursing homes as a longer term arrangement. Coming to terms with this situation can be extremely traumatic for everyone concerned. Many of our preconceptions about care homes are very often far removed from reality. There are a range and variety of care homes to suit every taste and preference. When people actually visit a home for the first time, a reaction of ‘I had no idea it would be like this’ is commonplace.
The decision to enter care may mean giving up your own home, and this is understandably a step which may be taken with a degree of reluctance. However, residential care does provide the benefit of security, companionship and 24 hour care and overall can offer a positive alternative.
Types of care home
There are different types of care homes. Some offer full-time nursing care, others support people with a specific disability or medical need.
If you are currently receiving treatment on a regular basis from a qualified nurse then you may need a care home with nursing. Your district nurse or hospital staff will be able to help you decide.
Care homes
You may choose to go into a care home (sometimes called residential home) if you can no longer manage in your own home. Services you should expect at a care home include:
- meals and accommodation
- help with personal care like bathing and dressing
- staff available 24 hours a day
- physical and emotional care
- care through short illnesses
Care homes with nursing
If you have a disability or illness that means you need nursing care on a frequent basis then a care home with nursing (sometimes called a nursing home) might be more appropriate. A qualified nurse will be on duty 24 hours a day.
You have the right to choose your care home but it must meet your needs, so if you need a care home with nursing – you may not be able to move into one that cannot provide nursing care.
You may qualify for full NHS funding of your care home. You will have to meet your health authority’s criteria.
Specialist care homes
You may choose to move into a care home that provides specialist care for your particular disability or needs. This might include specially trained staff or adapted facilities.
Your local council should have lists of specialist care homes or ones that might offer services appropriate to your needs. Charities can also be very helpful in finding the right care home.
