As we get older, we may need some extra help. This can vary from help with everyday living to assistance with personal care such as washing and dressing. Some people may need physical support as they get older, whilst others may need continuing emotional and mental support. Many elderly people find the isolation of living alone, often after the death of a partner, extremely stressful. Care homes provide a community that can combat loneliness.
You may suffer from a physical disability or dementia, which requires trained support. There are several different ways to receive care, and it is important to understand the difference between them. How to best receive this care depends upon your situation and the level of care that you require.
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between care homes and home care. Home care is where carers come into your home to provide home care. This may be paid carers or unpaid carers, such as family members. Whereas care homes or nursing homes are where you move into the home to receive care. Often moving into a care home, or a nursing home can provide the solution, giving you care and companionship in one package.
We appreciate that this is a big step to take, but at St Philips Care we can help you and your family to assist you with the transition of moving into a care home, residential home, or nursing home and make the process as smooth as possible.
Different types of care home
There are two main types of care homes for the elderly. We provide both types; care homes, sometimes referred to as residential homes and nursing homes.
Nursing homes offer clinical care through their own nurses. Care homes generally care for people with minimal clinical needs, requesting support from the District Nursing Service where necessary. We will be able to help you to work out what is the best fit for your needs.
Within each type of home, we can offer different levels of care. Maybe you are very independent but simply enjoy the company of the other residents, or maybe you are bed-bound and require a high level of personal care. Whatever your situation, and we understand that everyone has unique needs and challenges, we will be able to support you. Our home managers are experienced professionals and will be able to help you to choose the right environment for your requirements.
Residential Care Homes: What do they provide?
A residential care home provides you with a place to live where you can access round-the-clock care if needed, as well as home-cooked food, laundry services, and companionship. Care homes are the ideal solution for those people who are finding running their own home an increasing burden, are struggling with looking after their needs, or are lacking community in their everyday lives.
Care homes are also a good environment for those with dementia, providing specially trained staff to help manage the challenges that dementia can bring. Due to how we structure our care homes and the expertise of our staff, we can provide flexible care. If you enter a care home and then begin to need extra care, we can provide this for you.
This can be far simpler than the scenario where people move from their home, into sheltered accommodation, and then finding their needs have changed have to move again into a care home. Reducing the number of moves at this point in life can be beneficial both mentally and physically. Care homes can also provide a useful stepping stone after a hospital stay.
We can help with rehabilitation after illness or injury before you return to your own home. Respite care and day-care are also offered by our residential care homes. Respite care can be useful to provide breaks for carers, especially where the care is being given by family members who may struggle with other commitments.
Day-care allows people to come into homes for the day, to enjoy meals and activities with company and support. Both respite and day-care provide stepping stones towards becoming a permanent resident in one of our care homes. Our home managers are always happy to have a conversation with you about your needs. If you want to pop in for tea a few days a week or use daycare for companionship and an increased sense of community, we can help. All our needs are different and our lives are too.
We always endeavour to provide flexible care for your needs.
Nursing Homes: What do they provide?
Nursing homes provide a higher level of clinical care for the residents. Nursing homes are staffed by a mix of carers and registered nurses so that there are nurses on-site at all times. Care homes use district nurses who come into the home regularly.
Nursing homes are a good choice for those people who are suffering from chronic illnesses who need long-term nursing care from highly qualified healthcare professionals. In some instances, peoples’ health deteriorates, and the care offered in a residential home or care home may not be sufficient to meet your care needs. At this point, we can help you to move into a nursing home.
Everyone’s care needs change over time. It is important that you receive the appropriate qualified care to meet your needs. The rehabilitation and care provided through a nursing home can help people to manage the move back into independent living, or into a care home.
When you speak to our home managers, they will be able to help you to understand the level of care that you need and help you to determine whether a residential care home or a nursing home is the best fit for you. Providing phased return to your own home in a supported environment can make a huge difference to the rate of recovery.
Being well supported during the process of recovery can help people to make a fuller recovery and be able to live a more independent life. It is useful to consider the option of using a nursing home as part of your recovery process if you are having a routine and scheduled operation.
When to think about a care home or nursing home
Taking the step to move into a care or nursing home is a big decision. It is better to begin to think about it before the point at which it becomes an emergency. You will know when the time to move is right, but there are a few points to consider:
- You are starting to struggle with everyday tasks.
- Your family is showing signs of concern about leaving you alone.
- You are lonely.
- You are becoming anxious about your memory.
- You are having falls or are unsteady on your feet.
- You are concerned about dementia.
It can be good to forward plan your move into a care home or nursing home, as it can prevent you from being forced to make a swift decision after an accident or illness.
Should you be unfortunate enough to have a fall resulting in hospitalisation, you will be reassured by knowing that you have already found a care home or nursing home that can provide care. This plan will help you and your family and ease the stress of the situation. Being able to access care in a supportive environment that you have already visited will help your recovery.
Support for residents with Dementia
If you are concerned about dementia, it can be beneficial to move into a care home or nursing home before your dementia becomes more advanced. Moving people once they have severe dementia can be distressing, as they find it hard to cope with the transfer. If you are concerned that you may be getting dementia, please talk to your doctor.
There are ways to help you cope. In our care homes, we make sure that all our staff are dementia trained so that you will be supported with your daily life. Often providing those people with dementia with ongoing support and assistance will help to control the dementia allowing them to live a good life.
Deciding on the right care home or residential home
Spending the time thinking about what you would like from a care home will help you to make a clear and considered choice. There are different types of homes in different locations that will all have pros and cons. Visiting a few homes can help you with making a decision.
Look through the menu, sample the food, what events and activities are undertaken and how welcome were made to feel? Care homes can vary in the number of residents to the type of building. Many of our care homes are in beautiful old country homes, in lovely settings, with attractive grounds and gardens.
Some care homes are modern and purpose-built. We all have different tastes but our homes are all provided with the same theme of creating ‘home from home’.
What to do next?
It is important to discuss your move into a care or residential home with your family. This can be an emotive time for all involved and being able to talk it through can be beneficial for all involved. Our home managers are experienced at family discussions and often can help you to broach the subject with your family.
Perhaps consider bringing your family to look around the home with you, so they can see where you would be living, and the benefits that it would bring to you. Once they understand how it would help you and that you would feel more supported, they will be able to help you with the transition.