Choosing the right care home for ourselves or a member of our family is not something we like to think about until the need arises. Nevertheless, with people living longer than ever before it is something we will probably need to do at some point in our lives. With the myriad of options available within the public and private sectors it can appear to be an increasingly complex area that families have to wade through at a difficult time in their lives. However, when broken down, you can see that there are several different types of home available offering a variety of support depending on the needs of the individual. Each one delivers specific assistance from personal through to nursing and specialist support. Some homes provide several types of support in the same location providing a solution for the changing needs of an ageing population. Homes with this kind of facility offer peace of mind to the residents knowing they will not need to relocate to another care home should their needs change.
Residential care allows an individual who has no need for additional nursing support to live within a residential home environment. Suitable for people who are able to look after themselves with the option of additional support with dressing and washing being available when required. Residential care is a long term option but can also be used for short term respite relief.
When illness arises, the need for a higher level of support is necessary. For those that need nursing help on a regular basis, nursing homes can deliver 24 hour support. Nursing homes have a higher proportion of qualified nursing staff and equipment than residential homes, offering a greater level of care.
Certain illnesses need specialist care. Specialist nursing homes that are equipped to deal with needs of patients with a specific condition are necessary. Both physical and mental issues are cared for with nursing staff qualified in conditions such as Parkinson's disease or dementia. Palliative care can also be offered with teams of dedicated health professionals offering the very best support to patients in the last days of their lives within their care home setting without the need for relocation to a hospital or hospice.
Combination care homes offer residents several types of support ensuring they will not need to move to a different residential care home when their needs change. They also offer the perfect option for elderly couples with differing requirements allowing them to stay together and receive support specific to their individual needs. They can relax in the knowledge that whatever happens in the future the support will be there to help them through.
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