The role of residential and nursing homes

What is different between a residential home and a nursing home?

A residential home is a place where people live when they need some help. They can get help with things like cooking, cleaning, and taking medicine.

A nursing home is a place where people live when they need a lot of medical care. Nurses are there to help them.

Tools that can help:

• Pictures: Use drawings or photos to show what these homes look like.
• Videos: Watch videos to see what happens in these homes.

How can I tell if my loved one needs a nursing home or a care home?

It can be hard to know if someone needs more help. Here are some things to think about:

• Can they take care of themselves? Can they cook, clean, and get dressed?
• Are they safe living alone? Are they falling or getting confused a lot?
• Do they need medical help? Are there nurses or doctors they need to visit often?
• Are they feeling lonely? Do they have friends or family around them?

If you are not sure, talk to a doctor or a social worker. They can help you decide what is best. It is good to ask for help when you need it.

Do people check if care homes and nursing homes are safe in the UK?

Yes, care homes and nursing homes are checked. This means people make sure they are safe and good for people to live in.

If you want, you can ask someone you trust to go with you when you visit a care home. They can help you see if the home is clean and nice.

You can also use online tools that tell you how good a care home is. These tools show ratings and reviews from other people.

Can people living here bring their own furniture and things?

Yes, you can bring your own furniture and things like your bed, chair, or favorite toys.

It's good to have your special things around you. It helps you feel at home.

If you need help moving your things, ask someone to help you. Movers or friends can help carry your stuff.

You can also use a checklist to remember what you want to bring.

Do care homes have fun activities and social events?

Care homes are places where people live when they need extra help. They often have fun activities and social events for people to enjoy and make friends. These can be games, music, arts and crafts, or trips outside.

If you want to know more about the activities at a care home, you can:

• Talk to someone who works there.
• Ask residents what fun things they do.
• Look at any information they give you, like a leaflet or a website.

Who pays for care homes?

People live in care homes to get help. Care homes can be paid for in different ways:

• The government: Sometimes the government helps pay. They look at what money you have.
• Your own money: Some people pay with their own money if they have enough.
• Family help: Sometimes family members help pay.

Talk to family or a helper if you have questions. They can find out more. There are tools online to help you. You can also talk to someone at social services for support.

What training do workers in care homes have?

Workers in care homes need special training to help people. They learn how to take care of people safely and kindly.

If you want to know more about their training, you can ask someone who works there. You can also read information that the care home gives to visitors.

Some ways to get help understanding this are:

• Ask a friend or family member to explain it to you.
• Use a computer or phone to read more information online.
• Watch videos about care homes and what workers do.

Are there special care homes for people with certain health needs?

Some care homes are for people who have specific health problems. These homes have trained staff to help.

If you are looking for a care home, these tips can help:

• Ask your doctor for advice.
• Search online for care homes near you.
• Visit care homes to see what they are like.
• Talk to staff and ask questions about the care they offer.

Can people who live here go out to visit or go on holiday?

Can I try living in a care home for a short time?

Yes, you can stay in a care home for a little while to see if you like it. This is called a 'trial stay'. It helps you decide if the home is the right place for you.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask the care home if you can visit and look around first.
• Talk to staff and people who live there to learn more.
• Bring things from home that make you feel comfortable.
• Write down any questions you have to ask the staff.
• Tell someone you trust about how you feel during the trial stay.

How do we keep everyone safe?

Do homes for older people help with special food needs?

Yes, homes for older people can help with special food needs.

If you can't eat some foods, tell the people at the home. They will make sure you get the right food.

It is important to talk about what you need. Use a list or pictures to help explain. You can also ask someone to help you talk to them.

When can people visit care homes?

People can visit care homes at certain times during the day.

Check with the care home to find out the best time to visit.

You can call or ask a staff member to help.

How can I check if a home is good?

What if a person's care needs change?

Sometimes, a person's needs for care can change. This might be because they get older, or they have new health problems. When this happens, it's important to make sure they still get the right help.

It's a good idea to talk to someone about these changes. You can talk to a doctor, a nurse, or a social worker. They can help you decide what new care is needed.

There are some tools that can help, like checklists or planners. These can make it easier to see what care is needed.

Remember, it's okay for needs to change, and there are people who can help.