Residential Care

As time goes on it may be that care in the community is no longer enough to keep a person safe, secure and to continue to enjoy a reasonable standard of life. The option of residential care offers experienced and caring staff who understand the sometimes complex needs of their residents.

Facility-based long-run care services include: care homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

In general care homes help residents with personal care and provide medical aid, 24 hours supervision, 3 meals a day and help with everyday activities. Often residents are suffering from dementia and need to be in a safe and secure environment particularly if they wander around during the day and night. Rehabilitation services, like physical, activity, and therapy, are arranged where appropriate. Most residential care homes give a spread of daily activities and visits outside the home are supported by specialist activity workers Some residents live in care homes for a time while recuperating from hospital treatment, or to give their family a breather, while others are permanent residents

Assisted living suits those who still live independently but as the name suggests requires some support. This may include the provision of a cooked meal, personal care or assistance obtaining professional support.

Nursing homes are suitable when residents require more support, particularly with medication and procedures. The residents tend to be bed-bound and their needs are more acute.

Care home residents typically have their own bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and shower, Residents are encouraged to individualise their own room with pictures, and things that are to them. Communal areas are common such as lounges, restaurant areas, assisted toilets. Care homes may be large.100+rooms or smaller 10+ rooms. Larger homes may have extra facilities for example a cinema, café, music area. Smaller homes are quieter with a home-from-home feel and residents and workers may get to know each other well.