Moving into a care home can be an uncertain time, and without the correct information, it can cause stress for both the individual and their loved ones. We have listed the different options of care offered within a care home to give you an understanding of what might be suitable for you or your loved one.
Around the UK, there are many care homes that offer different forms of care for older people, some will offer multiple care types and others might be specialised in just one care type. It is often easy to confuse care homes with other forms of housing such as sheltered housing or retirement villages, however, care homes do differ to a degree. In this blog, we will discuss the care types that are most commonly offered in a care home. Together, they facilitate a variety of care needs ranging from individuals who require support with their mobility or personal care to those who need 24 hour care due to severe health problems.
Making the decision to move into a care home can be a big decision for both the individual needing care and their loved ones, which is why the pre-admissions process is designed to support them and help each person successfully start their journey in their chosen home. Most care homes support independent living and tailor their care to ensure the residents are able to live their life how they choose to as a care home’s main goal is to increase the quality of life of each individual through their care services.
If you are interested in learning more about the types of care available in a care home, keep reading to discover the various types of care offered to help you decide which one is best suited for you or your loved one.
Residential Care
Residential Care refers to long term care provided to individuals who struggle to live independently and carry out daily tasks due to the early stages of a health condition or because they have become frail with old age. A care home provides around-the-clock care and support for those living alone and can provide assistance with activities such as dressing, mobility, or washing, as well as take care of all housekeeping chores and meal preparation. As we age, it is common for everyday tasks to become increasingly difficult to complete alone, therefore seeking assistance in a residential care home is something that should be considered.
Residential Care is also a great option for those in need of companionship, as residents can form strong bonds with those of a similar age and who share similar interests. The care teams within a care home go above and beyond to enhance residents' well-being as well as their mental and physical health for a better quality of life. Throughout a care home, there are usually many services and facilities that resident’s can utilise on a daily basis, for them to get the most out of their stay.
Dementia Care
Dementia is a mental health condition that affects a person’s brain in a number of ways including their critical thinking, memory and speech. As the condition progresses, it can become difficult to manage and can create stress for elderly people with dementia, as well as their loved ones. Many dementia care homes offer dementia care that is designed to allow people to continue living a full life with the right care and support. Dementia care units will have a team of trained carers that have been specially trained to deal with the different types of dementia and their symptoms, ensuring the care they receive is of the highest quality.
Dementia Care is the perfect example of when tailored care plans are imperative. Personalised care plans are created between a care home's dementia team, for individuals living in the care home. It allows the care team to tailor the care each individual receives to meet their specific set of needs and means they can support them in staying as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Nursing Care
A type of care that can be offered in a nursing home or care home is Nursing Care. Nursing care is a higher level of care that provides both personal care and medical care on a 24/7 for an individual staying within a care facility. It is best suited to those with long-term health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, critical illnesses, physical disabilities and mental health conditions.
Each nursing home resident has a care assessment carried out by a qualified nurse in order to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. It is important to make sure the right level of person-centred care is established for those to live a quality of life. Daily responsibilities may include assisting residents with personal care and mobility, whilst administering medication and monitoring their condition if this is applicable.
Respite Care
Respite Care is a type of care that is short-term, and can either be planned or unplanned depending on a person’s situation. It offers individuals with a break, whether this is someone who has recently been discharged from hosptial or for a carer who has been taking care of their loved one. Residents can stay in a care home for a few weeks or even a few months at a time until they have fully healed and are ready to resume their normal lives.
Temporary stay residents will be supported by a group of healthcare professionals until they feel like themselves again. Each individual will have access to the facilities and services offered at the care home for the entire duration of their stay. Respite care can also be used as an option to essentially “trial” a care home for a number of weeks, before deciding whether the home is right for them.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialist care provided to individuals facing terminal illnesses or in the final stages of life. People often receive palliative care for life limiting conditions, from natural decline with old age, diseases or terminal illnesses. Palliative care is similar to end of life care, but palliative care tends to last longer as end of life care is for short term care.
Its aim is to provide a quality of life for individuals, focusing on alleviating pain and symptoms while upholding dignity and honouring personal wishes. Beyond resident care, palliative care will also support loved ones during this time of distress and allowing loved ones to spend as much time together as possible.
Our Care Services at Woodlands Care Home
Woodlands Care Home is proud to provide first-class Residential Care, Dementia Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care for older people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located in a quiet residential area of Aberdeen, residents can expect beautiful views of open green spaces and a variety of all-inclusive facilities. The Woodlands team provides the highest quality person-centred care and is committed to supporting each resident’s needs, no matter what they might be. Our team will monitor resident’s needs in order to provide a continuum of care throughout their stay.
We are also pleased to offer a wide range of facilities for our residents to use on a regular basis including a hair & nail salon, landscaped gardens, an arts and crafts programme, an events & well-being programme, communal areas, private dining room and more. Our events & well-being coordinators work closely with our residents to ensure we incorporate residents’ interests and preferences within the activities schedule which includes day trips into the local community.
Experience a Full & Vibrant Life Each Day
The team at Woodlands Care Home will be delighted to assist you with any queries you may have regarding our care options or facilities on behalf of a loved one. To contact a member of our friendly team, call 01224 059777 or email info@woodlandsaberdeencare.co.uk and a staff member will be happy to help you.
