Types of Care for the Elderly

You cannot simply split social care services between residential care and home care. There are many new schemes, such as extra care housing and sheltered housing that enable you to receive care, as and when you need, yet remain as independent as possible. This article gives you an idea about the needs of people who use care service and care homes and what is offered in each case. Care Homes There are two main types of care homes, those with nursing care and those without.

Residential Care homes

Residential homes offer an option for those who are having difficulties coping, or need more help than their carers are able to provide. A residential home provides you with accommodation, meals and personal care and is usually long term. This means help to bath and dress, but not nursing care for any medical conditions you may have. The normal minimum age for admission into a residential home is sixty-five, but you should check, as some homes may admit younger residents. You may be able to mix and match various types of care, including taking regular short breaks from the relative who usually looks after you. This is called respite care and fees are generally higher.

Care homes with nursing care

Nursing homes also provide accommodation, meals and personal care, but additionally always have qualified nurses who can give care for those who have more complex health needs. They may also provide specialist dementia care. The fees are usually higher than in a residential home but it is possible to receive funding towards them. Again the minimum age is usually sixty-five.

Dual registered homes

These offer both nursing and residential care. This is ideal for couples who require different levels of care, or if your needs may change in the future. Dual homes are usually registered for a detailed number of nursing and residential beds.

All care homes and nursing homes are registered and inspected frequently

Dementia and specialist care

The elderly with Dementia related conditions like Alzheimer's may, depending on the level of dementia, receive care in a nursing or residential home. However there are specialist units, which have experienced staff and modified facilities. It's always best to discuss your needs with your local home first. They can offer guidance and arrange an assessment if needed. There are also specialist care homes for conditions like Parkinson's disease; again the staff will be specially trained and have adapted facilities.

Convalescent or post-operative care

This offers short-term care for people recuperating from an operation or illness. Most nursing homes offer both restorative and post-operative care, but residential homes will generally only offer convalescent care. Fees are generally higher for short stays.

Palliative and terminal care

This is compassionate care of the long term and terminally ill and fixed on improving the quality of life. Palliative care mainly concentrates on pain control and symptoms. These specialist approaches include the individual, the family, friends, carers and, and expands to grief and bereavement.

Care in your own home

You can arrange to be cared for in your own home or get local agencies to arrange this for you. Carers can help with personal care, dressing, bathing, preparing meals or provide support and respite for carers. This type of care may just be for a few hours or twenty-four hour care if needed. If you need to make your home more comfortable and user friendly, grab rails, stair lifts etc, it may be possible to get a grant for this.

Nurses agencies

Some nursing agencies send nurses to visit the elderly at home if they need medical or specialist care. This is usually after discharge from hospital. The regularity of the visits can fluctuate from several times a day to once a week, depending on the requirements of the individual.