What is a residential care home?

We often mistake all care, nursing, or residential homes for being homes for the elderly. A residential home is actually quite different to a nursing home for several reasons. These homes provide 24-hour care to those who find it difficult to live alone and care for themselves.

Residential homes are not specifically for the elderly. They provide the same care to whoever needs it. There are a variety of services from long to short term care, emergency placements and more.

Residential care homes

Residential care homes can vary with their facilities. It is a place where assistance is given to those who need help with daily living. Comparably, nursing homes provide round the clock medical care. Residential care home residents may need help with bathing, getting dressed, eating, mobility etc.

Living in these type of homes allows individuals to receive help with cooking and cleaning too. Dementia patients can benefit from this type of assistance. Homes may be small and private, or large facilities with their own shops!

Residential care 

Residential homes do have access to medical professionals and facilities. More complex medical needs are not suitable for this environment. A residential home simply aids daily living. Carers may help with personal care, dressing, meals, medication and social activities. Those with mobility issues and physically ailments can really benefit from residential care.

It can give them peace of mind and security knowing they are safe in this environment. Aside from the physical care, residential homes provide a community, social interaction and emotional support. For those who do not have relatives, these facilities can provide a sense of comfort.

 

Moving to residential care

Moving a family or friend to residential care can be a difficult decision. It can provide a level of care that many of us cannot. If you notice someone is struggling to do daily activities, they may have become frail, are having more regular falls, or are simply feeling alone and isolated. Then residential care may be an option to explore.

There are many reasons why people move to residential care instead of home care. The death of a spouse may require someone to move to residential care. Or, a health professional may have recommended residential care to ensure the safety and care of the individual.

Weighing up your options, personal circumstances, finances, health and more are needed to decide which type of care is the right one.

Read more about care homes.

 

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Sources

1. https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/what-is-a-residential-care-home
2. https://www.scimitarcare.co.uk/how-we-care/types-of-care.php
3. https://www.countrycourtcare.co/support-advice/understanding-the-difference-between-care-and-nursing-homes/