There are several types of residential and nursing care available, so make sure you pick the right one
Arranging residential care for yourself or a loved one can be emotional and stressful, so choosing the right care home is imperative. It will ultimately become yours or your relative’s new home, so you need to feel comfortable and happy with your choice.
‘Care home’ is an umbrella term that covers the numerous types of accommodation with different levels of care. Care homes must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is responsible for their inspection and registration. Those homes that don’t provide nursing care are usually called care homes, and those that do are called nursing homes. A home that is not registered to provide nursing care will not provide medical care beyond helping residents take any medication they have been prescribed.
About 84% of care homes are owned and managed by private companies. The rest are run by voluntary organisations (13%) and local councils (3%). This is a big change in the provision of social care, as local authorities used to provide the majority of places.
Before you go to view any establishment it is important to assess your relative’s needs to make sure you only look at places that will suit them. Most homes welcome and encourage people to come and look around, spend an afternoon or even have a meal with the other residents before deciding whether to make the move.
Residential care
This type of care is perfect for those who are able to look after their own daily needs but who may occasionally require assistance. In the main they offer care and support for the elderly, allowing people to live with their peers. People living in residential care do not have serious health problems that require onsite nursing support.
Residential and dementia care
This type of home provides care for those who are physically able but are living with some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. It is becoming increasingly common for this type of care to be provided in an environment specifically designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia. Adaptations may include specially designed signage to aid orientation, memory boxes to identify individual rooms, and open living areas for additional safety.
Nursing care
A home that provides nursing care and a higher level of support for the people who live there is ideal for those who require more intensive physical support on a daily basis. Nursing homes have a higher number of fully qualified and specially trained nursing staff. On top of this there will be specialised nursing equipment, including adjustable beds and fully adapted bedrooms, bathrooms and toilet facilities.
Nursing with dementia care
These homes offer care at a much higher level for elderly people who require more physical support and who are also living with a form of dementia. Nursing staff have specialist training in operating equipment such as hoists, and also have dementia training.
NHS continuing healthcare
The NHS is responsible for meeting the cost of care in a home for those whose primary reason for being there is health-based – usually people with complex or severe medical conditions requiring skilled care beyond that which local authorities have a duty to provide. You will need to obtain a full health assessment of your loved one to see if they are eligible.
We can find you the perfect candidate; from Housekeepers to Gardeners, Nannies to Carers, we source only the most exceptional candidates for your home.
The Lady, home of domestic recruitment has three options to suit every need and budget. For more information and to get the ball rolling, SIMPLY CALL 020 7379 4717 OR EMAIL recruitment@lady.co.uk For more information and to apply, visit jobs.lady.co.uk today.
