Finding the right care home for you or a loved one is a very important decision. There are many aspects to consider depending on the needs of the person concerned.

There are several types of care homes to choose from and this article will explain the categories of homes and the care that they provide.

A Residential Care Home

Should provide for an elderly person the kind of care that they would receive if they were living at home and being looked after by a family member or friend, the right care should cover all personal care, including, eating, drinking, washing, bathing, getting dressed, toileting and looking after you if you are ill. Health care assistants usually look after the residents in this type of care home , they are required to have an NVQ qualification in caring of the elderly, (please be aware that the level of care can vary in each home).

Residential care homes are not usually permitted to look after you if you have nursing needs, (see the article below for the required criteria needed to qualify for admission to a Care Home with Nursing ) if this occurs while you are living in a residential home then a full assessment would need to be made by your GP, Social Sservices or the Local Health Authority

When choosing a home it is important to think not only of what your needs are today, but what they are likely to be in the future, Residential homes are not duel registered anymore, but some homes do have within their group Care Homes with nursing. so if in the future you need nursing care you could possibly be able to stay within their care.

Care Home with Nursing

Covers all the personal needs that are found in a residential home plus there must be a need for trained nurse intervention that cannot be provided in a Residential Care Home, the added benefits of being nursed by trained Registered Nurses is obvious,

Before admission to a nursing home can be made, a full assessment must be undertaken by the senior nurse of your chosen Nursing Home along with your GP and Social Services to see if your needs can be fully met by the home in question, (especially if they are helping with funding).

If possible you and your relative will want to visit the home to meet other residents and staff and see the room that you will be occupying. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you go. So have a list ready.

Examples of nursing needs are difficult to define because each person has different needs which have to be assesed by healthcare professionals and care plans drawn up. Uusually nursing care is part made up of personal care by health care assistants and medical intervention by trained Registered Nurses.

Homes for Special Needs

Dementia and Alzheimer’s, (Elderly Mentally Infirm EMI)
Are homes that have specially trained staff that understand the needs of the dementia patient.

Neuro Care Homes

Are usually Care Homes with Nursing as they cater for patients with physical disabilities, neurological problems etc. They have specially trained nursing and physiotherapy staff.

All Care Homes in the United Kingdom must be registered with the 'Commission for Social Care Inspections who enforce the Government Regulations and Standards. All homes are inspected every six months, and each home’s inspection report is available for the public to read either at the local library, or at the Commission for Social Care Inspection website

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