The role of residential and nursing homes

A residential home provides accommodation, meals, and personal care for people who may need assistance with daily living activities but do not require medical care. A nursing home offers all of that as well as 24-hour medical care and supervision by registered nurses.

Assessment by a healthcare professional or a social worker can help determine the level of care required. If your loved one needs regular medical attention, a nursing home would be more suitable. If they need help with daily activities but are medically stable, a residential home might suffice.

Yes, both types of homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, Care Inspectorate in Scotland, Care Inspectorate Wales, or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in Northern Ireland.

Many homes encourage residents to bring personal belongings to make their space feel more familiar and comfortable. It's advisable to check with the specific home for their policy on personal items.

Yes, most homes offer a range of activities and social programmes designed to keep residents engaged and active, such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, and social events.

Funding can come from a variety of sources including personal savings, pensions, local authority funding, and NHS Continuing Healthcare for those who qualify. Means testing is often used to determine eligibility for local authority funding.

Care staff typically have qualifications such as NVQs/SVQs in Health and Social Care. In nursing homes, registered nurses hold nursing qualifications and are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Yes, there are specialist homes that cater to specific conditions such as dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions, providing tailored care and support.

Most homes allow residents to go on visits and holidays, provided it’s safe for them to do so. It's best to discuss any plans with the care home staff to ensure all necessary arrangements and precautions are taken.

Many homes offer trial stays, which can help determine if the home is a good fit for the potential resident. This is often referred to as respite care.

Homes follow strict regulations and guidelines to ensure safety, including staff training, fire safety, secure premises, and safeguarding policies. Regular inspections by regulatory bodies ensure compliance.

Yes, homes generally cater to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other medically-required diets. It’s important to discuss specific dietary needs with the home.

Visiting hours can vary between homes, but many offer flexible visiting hours to suit the needs of residents and their families. It’s advisable to check with the specific home for their visiting policy.

Quality can be assessed by looking at the home's latest inspection report from the regulatory body (e.g., CQC in England). Reviews and recommendations from residents and families can also be helpful.

Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in a resident's condition. If a resident's needs become more complex, they may need to move from a residential home to a nursing home for more specialised care.