The Different Types Of Care Offered In Care Homes

Many different care homes and/or nursing homes offer different care services, some will exclusively provide residential care whilst others a selection of care options. Within this blog post, we look into the different types of care provided in a care home.

What is a care home?

Within the UK there are usually two different types of care homes; residential homes and nursing homes, both serving as essential care facilities, yet differing significantly within the levels of care and medial services provided.

Residential homes cater to those seeking assistance with daily living activities but don’t have medical needs. Staff members in residential homes focus on support and personal care, all within a homely environment. Where as nursing homes provide higher levels of medical care, due to having qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals to administer more complex medical needs and in this circumstance, nursing homes are generally more expensive than residential homes.

Nursing homes offer on-site medical services such as rehabilitation, medication management and palliative care, making nursing homes mire suitable for those with significant health challenges. 

The choice between a residential home and a nursing home will depend on an individuals health condition, personal care, independent living and care requirements. However, both play a crucial role in meeting the diverse needs of individuals seeking care and accommodation through specially trained staff.

Types of Care Offered in a Care Home

Residential Care

Residential care, also known as ‘group living’ or ‘assisted living’ provide residents with a secure environment where their needs are met, including assistance with washing, dressing, toileting, administering medication and mobility support. The term 'residential' signifies that individuals can consider the setting their home, enjoying a range of services available on-site such as dining services activities and transportation, creating a supportive environment which balances levels of care and independence.

This type of care is designed to enhance the quality of an individuals live, alongside needing some assistance they’re able to maintain a level of independence to a certain degree, all within a community setting. Overall it provides a selection of services both in the social and practical aspects of daily living for residents.

Nursing Care

Nursing care encompasses all that residential care has to offer alongside meeting medical needs. Nursing care is ideal for those who require assistance with physical limitations, long term health conditions and mental health issues; more complex care. Those who are seeking nursing care usually have more complex medical needs, requiring regular motoring, medication and other specialised care all delivered by a qualified nurse.

Alongside gaining assistance with daily activities, care homes with nursing facilities focus on rehabilitation services, medical management and palliative care. The main goal within a nursing home is to provide comprehensive care which address both medical and personal needs of an individual, overseeing their health safety and wellbeing.

Nursing care involves around-the-clock expert medical care where district nurses and other nurse practitioners create a residents care plan, working alongside other medical professionals to offer personalised nursing care.

Dementia Care

A care home where dementia care is provided will offer you or your loved one a warm, welcoming and most importantly, safe setting. All staffed with a team of qualified specialists who are fully trained. All care homes offering care for dementia sufferers will have been designed with everything in place to be considerate of the residents living with dementia, from the way every room has been furnishes down to the activities provided.

This environment is specifically structured to provide a safe and supportive setting for individuals dealing with memory loss and cognitive decline.

Staff members will receive specialised training to fully understand and respond to the challenges associated with dementia. Care homes with dementia residents will be designed with features that promote safety and reduce confusion, such as clear signage, memory enhancing elements and secure entry and exit points. Activities and programmes are also tailored to engage individuals with dementia, supporting their cognitive functions.

Dementia care focuses on maintaining an individuals dignity, quality of life and independence. Staff members will work to create a structured routine and environment which reduces stress and enhances a sense of familiarity for residents. Alongside all of this, dementia care will also involve family education and support, recognising the significant role in which families play in their wellbeing, with a goal to provide a compassionate and understanding atmosphere which meets the unique needs of those living with cognitive impairments. With the correct attention and care, those suffering from dementia can carry on to live their lives to the fullest; continuing with their favourite activities an socialising with like-minded individuals, all of a similar age.

Respite Care

Respite care is a short term care option for those who either need to recover from an illness, injury or for carers who need a break from their responsibilities. Within a care home, a team of professionals can care for temporary residents until they are ready to return to their normal routines. Respite care can last from anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.

Respite care is ideal for both the caregiver and the individual receiving care if this was the circumstance you may need it. It helps prevent burnout for the caregiver as they’ll get some relaxation and rest, alongside being able to attend personal needs. For the individual receiving care, they’ll have support and assistance, allowing them to feel and be safe even when the primary caregiver isn’t there. This type of care can also be beneficial for families caring for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The Types of Care Available at Rowan Park Care Home

Rowan Park Care Home is a brand new, modernised, traditional care home in Stratton-on-the-Fosse. We’re proud to be able to offer around-the-clock care within our luxury home, providing accommodation for up to 50 residents, all across 3 floors; each floor has its own community; Colliers Way on the ground floor, Nettlebridge on the first floor (which is our dementia community) and Writhlington on the second floor. Within our home we're proud to provide residential care, dementia care, nursing care and respite care.

We’re located within a quiet area surrounded by greenery, a neighbouring farm and we’re only 9 miles from the historic city of Bath. Residents will have a selection of on-site facilities at the tip of their fingertips, given them opportunities to continue with their much loved hobbies, alongside trying new interests and activities, whilst forming new friendships.

Pride in Delivering High-Quality Care

Our staff members go above and beyond, providing outstanding levels of care, playing an important role in ensuring the wellbeing, mental health conditions and quality of life for all residents is paramount. Their dedication, personalised assistance and compassion is essential in tailoring care plans to meet the specific needs of each resident, fostering a sense of companionship and connection.

Caregivers go beyond physical care, providing essential emotional support, empowering individuals to maintain their independence. In settings such as a care home, assisted living facilities, dementia care units and respite care units, caregivers are the frontline providers, observing and communicating changes in health, coordinating comprehensive care and providing specialised training where needed.

Caregivers are so important with all aspects of care and this is evident with respite care; they provide temporary relief for primary caregivers, preventing burnout and ensuring sustainable care for those facing any health challenges. Their roles extends beyond routine tasks to the promotion of respect, dignity and a holistic approach to wellbeing. Our teams are essential to the human connections which define healthcare, embodying the qualities of empathy and understanding to creating a compassionate and supportive environment.

Our luxury care home provides a selection of amenities which enable residents to spend their time doing the things they enjoy the most, including a varied activities programme, private gardens, a cinema room and hair salon.

Care Services Available at Rowan Park:

• Residential Care
• Nursing Care
• Dementia Care
• Respite Care
• Palliative Care
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Nurse Call Systems
• Digital Care Plans
• Profiling Beds
• Access to a GP
• Access to an Optician
• Access to a Dentist
• Access to a Physiotherapist
• Access to a Chiropodist

Contact our Friendly Team

Our wonderful care home is a place where residents who need different levels of care can live with ease, care and support, no matter what time of the day and/or night. If you would like to learn more about our home, care services and facilities or even arrange a visit to come and see us, you can contact us on info@rowanparkcare.co.uk or call us on 01761 869 500 and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as they can.