Different Types of Care Homes
Types of Care Homes
Page Contents
- What Does a Care Home Do?
- Do Local Authorities Run Care Homes?
- Types of Care Homes
- Other Care Options
To help you find the right type of care, our guide details the two main types of care homes – residential care homes and nursing homes – as well as other care options you might consider.
The main difference between a residential care home and a nursing home is that a nursing home will always have a qualified nurse on site. This allows nursing homes to offer a higher level of care, such as for people with physical disabilities or long-term conditions requiring complex care.
What Does a Care Home Do?
A care home provides accommodation, care, and support for those who need help managing daily life. This can include personal care such as help with dressing, washing, and eating. Most care homes also offer social activities and events, helping residents stay engaged with hobbies and community outings. Nursing homes additionally provide 24-hour medical care alongside accommodation and personal care.
Do Local Authorities Run Care Homes?
Yes, local authorities do run care homes, but most care homes are privately owned. There are also care homes run by charities and voluntary organizations.
Types of Care Homes
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes provide a variety of services including emergency, respite, short-term, long-term, and palliative care. These homes cater to older adults and young adults (18-65) with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and other care needs. They are designed for individuals who do not need 24-hour nursing care but cannot live independently.
Services provided include:
- Assistance with daily activities such as personal care, dressing, and eating
- Furnished or unfurnished rooms
- Meals, housekeeping, and laundry services
- Access to on-site facilities like hair salons, cafes, and gardens
- Regular social activities and day trips
- Visits from entertainers, GPs, dentists, physiotherapists, and other professionals
- Specialist care for conditions like dementia
Residential care homes range in size from small homes housing a few residents to larger facilities accommodating up to 250 residents.
Care Homes with Nursing
Nursing homes offer the same services as residential care homes but with the addition of 24-hour medical care provided by qualified nurses. They are suitable for people who require continual support for specific conditions or disabilities, such as intensive rehabilitative care, PEG feeding, or long-term conditions needing complex medical care.
Services provided include:
- 24-hour medical care
- Intensive rehabilitative care
- Specialist care for conditions like dementia and alcohol dependence
- Palliative care for terminally ill residents
- Regular social activities and visits from healthcare professionals
Nursing homes vary in size, with some larger homes accommodating more than 200 residents.
Other Care Options
Extra Care Housing
Extra care housing, also known as sheltered housing or assisted living, offers more independence than a care home. Residents live in self-contained flats but receive meals and personal care as needed. These schemes often include communal areas for socializing and may have a scheme manager and 24-hour emergency help.
Retirement Villages
Residents usually buy, part-buy, or rent apartments in retirement villages, which are designed to maintain independence. Properties can be equipped with alarms and fall sensors. On-site care and support services are available as needed, and some villages include care homes.
Adult Day Care Centres
Adult day care centres provide social interaction and activities for older adults, people with disabilities, and vulnerable adults. They offer a range of activities and practical skills training, as well as giving carers a break.
Home Care
Home care, or domiciliary care, supports individuals in their own homes with services such as personal care, cooking, shopping, and companionship. It can include long-term, emergency, respite, or short-term care.
Mental Health Hospitals
These hospitals support adults with complex mental health needs, providing a range of therapeutic interventions to aid rehabilitation and independence.
Hospices
Hospices offer end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals, focusing on palliative care and pain relief. They also provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families.
For more detailed information on different types of care homes and to explore your options, visit CareDirectory.org.uk.