When looking at care options for you or your loved one, there may seem like an endless number of terms with it sometimes seeming difficult to distinguish between them. We’ve pulled together a quick guide to ‘what is a residential care home’ to help explain one of them.

 

What is a Residential care home?

The term ‘residential care home’ typically applies to a care home that provides accommodation and care for those that need extra help with day-to-day self care and living. ‘Residential care’ typically makes the distinction between a place where individuals go to live and be cared for and home care, care for an individual in their own home.

 

What is the Difference Between Home Care and Residential Care?

There are some key differences between home care and residential care. The main difference is the setting, residential care is in a specially-designed facility whereas home care is in the individual’s own home. Due to its design, a residential care home usually offers more advanced care with specialist facilities designed to make movement and daily life easier for those living there.

Residential care homes also often offer respite care options for those who require temporary residential care perhaps due to a carer going on holiday or whilst their home is adapted for restricted mobility.

 

What are the Benefits of Residential Care?

Those moving to a residential care home often struggle with mobility issues or navigational issues if experiencing an Alzheimer's or Dementia-related condition. As a specially-designed facility, a residential care home is usually equipped with this in mind. Hallways are usually wider to allow to ease of movement and bathrooms will be equipped with handrails and other mobility-assisting equipment. Furniture will also be better equipped to help those with various levels of mobility.

For older residents, those with a mental or physical disability or a condition such as Alzheimer's, residential care offers a higher level of support than is able to be offered by home care with round-the-clock care available and in the case of nursing care homes, dedicated medical care, resources and facilities.

In addition to this, residential care homes can also help with providing a community for those who may be living alone as there will be a number of people living together and taking party in care home activities.

 

Residential Care Home Facilities

One of the biggest benefits of a residential care home is the number of facilities available. For example, residential care homes often have their own communal spaces such as cafes and lounges designed for interaction as well as outdoor spaces to enjoy safely for those who enjoy gardening. A number of residential care homes feature hair salons or other facilities in-house.
 

What Types of Residential Care Homes Are There?

We wouldn’t be answering the question of ‘what is a residential care home’ without delving into the types of residential care available. The great news is that there are a number of different types of residential care homes, each specially equipped to deal with a specific healthcare area. For example, at Select Healthcare we provide residential mental health care, residential care for those with learning disabilities, 

 

How Do I Pay for Residential Care?

There are a number of funding options for residential care as well as self-funded residential care. We have a dedicated guide to ‘who pays for your care’ including all the information you need on residential care funding. Your local council will usually assess you or your loved one’s needs and may provide financial support to pay for residential care.

 

When is it Time to Move to Residential Care?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as it is a deeply personal matter. Usually, individuals choose to move to a care home when they are no longer able to care for themselves day-to-day and need additional support to live independently. Personal circumstances such as a loved one no longer being able to provide care or not being able to provide a high enough level of care can affect the decision to choose residential care. Often, the health of the individual can deteriorate or a condition becomes more complex leading to specialised healthcare in a residential environment being required. 

 

Find a Residential care home

If you are thinking about moving to a residential care home or have a loved one who is thinking of residential care, Select Healthcare provides a number of welcoming and comfortable options offering a range of services and facilities. Take a look at our nation-wide residential care home options or contact our team to find out more.

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