What is the Difference Between Residential Care & Nursing Care?
The differences between a Care Home and a Nursing Home are few and far between, however, it’s important to understand the difference between residential care and nursing care which can be offered in both care facilities. Both types of care can be provided to people who need it at varying levels as the care is always customised.
Most care homes or nursing homes offer a variety of different care types to their residents, depending on either preexisting or developing medical conditions, as well as a regularly conducted personal care assessment. Two of the main types of care offered are residential care and nursing care. In all care homes, the focus is on providing person-centred care and an enjoyable lifestyle for their residents, so you can always expect to find lots of exciting things to do with your time such as arts and crafts sessions and a varied activities programme.
A personal assessment prior to admission helps to establish a care plan that decides what level of medical care or personal care is best for the individual. Although there are many different types of care or nursing homes, not all will offer the same services and facilities. It’s important to consider all aspects of lifestyle and care within a care home before making the final decision to move in.
In this article, we will outline the main difference between residential care & nursing care to establish which may be the most appropriate type for you or your loved one's, as well as potential finance options.
Residential Care in a Care Home
Residential care is usually offered as a standard in care homes. It is offered on a long term basis where individuals can receive the care and support they deserve. Whether you’re struggling to maintain a household physically when it comes to cooking, cleaning and managing bills, you have become confused or frail, or a health condition has worsened making it more difficult to cope with on your own, residential care could be the perfect fit for you.
Care home staff are skilled and professional individuals who create and follow care plans for every single resident, as well as ensure that well-being is looked after alongside daily tasks. The importance of social and physical activity grows as we get older as often people can feel lonely or become reliant on others, and for residential care home residents, the team will always go above and beyond to keep a resident as healthy as possible and ensure their days are fulfilled.
Who is Residential Care Suitable For?
Residential care is provided on a long-term basis for residents who require assistance on a daily basis, such as help with their mobility, personal hygiene and care regime or medication. For the most part, those in residential care settings can complete their day to day tasks independently but require care and support in other areas from a qualified nurse on site.
Nursing Care in a Care Home
Nursing care offers care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can consist of a variety of different elements from a qualified nurse administering medication to maintaining the comfort and wellbeing of a resident, assisting with personal care and monitoring health conditions. Our registered nurses are well versed in delivering higher levels of care to those individuals who might need it, whether that’s providing technical intravenous medication, or simply keeping residents company during trying times.
The registered nurses within a care home or nursing home are skilled at spotting symptoms and changes in residents, and after monitoring their situation they know when to take appropriate action.
Those receiving nursing care or residential care in a care home will have the opportunity to use the facilities available to them, with or without assistance. All residents can enjoy homemade meals, freshly clean bedding, and a private bathroom, as well as take part in engaging activities within a homely setting.
Who is Nursing Care Suitable For?
People with ongoing and severe medical issues that require constant monitoring and support or frequent medical treatment are best suited for the specialist medical care offered through nursing care in care homes or nursing homes. This may include conditions such as severe physical disabilities, a learning disability or mental health conditions.
Financing Your Care
Both nursing homes and residential homes can sometimes be privately owned and managed by one or more people, an organisation that manages a number of homes or owned by local councils or local authorities. When it comes to financing your care, or figuring out who to ask regarding your finances, we understand how difficult and complicated it can be. Different funding options are offered for each type of care including NHS funded nursing care or local authority funding. We recommend reaching out to your local government if you have any questions about paying for residential care.
Longbridge Deverill Care & You
At Longbridge Deverill, we provide four care types which are Residential, Nursing, Dementia and Respite Care. Within our luxury home, residents have the opportunity to live their life however they want, taking advantage of the many services and facilities on offer. We have dedicated members of staff who are available every hour of every day, seven days a week, to provide whatever level of assistance our residents may need. We believe that every one of our residents deserves to live a happy life, creating new memories and finding new passions. Whether you’re seeking residential care or nursing care, you can be sure that your health and well-being are always at the forefront.
We Look Forward to Hearing From You
There are many things to consider before deciding to move into a care home. If you would like more information on the care services we provide at Longbridge Deverill, we would love to help. Please complete our Enquiry Form and someone will be in touch to discuss your query further. Additionally, you can reach us by phone on 01985 211511 or by email at info@longbridgedeverillcare.co.uk.
