When it comes to bringing a loved one into residential Care Home Leicester , one of the most often asked questions is the difference between a care home and a nursing home.
When you talk of a care home, you’re probably talking about a nursing home. This is because the word “care home” is used to describe various residential care settings.
Different types of care homes operate in various ways and offer varying levels of treatment. A residential care home is a care home that only offers residential care and is often referred to as a “care home.”
A residential care facility is not the same as a nursing home. The key difference is that in a nursing home, medical care is often given by a trained nurse on-site.
What is the difference between a nursing home and a residential care home?
Nursing homes and residential care homes can offer care and service 24 hours a day, but nursing homes can provide a higher quality of care.
This also means that, depending on the type of treatment you need, nursing homes can be substantially more costly.
The average weekly cost of residential care in the United Kingdom is £704, while the average cost of nursing home care is £888.
These are just averages; fees vary depending on where you live (the most expensive being London) and the standard of treatment you need.
Nursing homes, as previously stated, have certified nurses on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide medical treatment as required, while residential homes assist residents with personal care and encourage them to participate in physical activity.
What services do residential care homes offer?
Residential care homes provide 24-hour personal care and help to individuals who need assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating but do not need nursing care. This can be achieved for a short or long period.
While some residential care homes can meet some nursing needs by special care services or visiting health practitioners, they are mostly for seniors who cannot live independently and handle their hygiene, medicine, toileting, or mobility issues.
Residents in residential care homes may have physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health problems, or other care needs due to their advanced age. Still, they do not need regular medical attention.
Residential care staff is certified to provide the regular care and assistance that residents need, such as medication administration, but they may not be eligible to provide medical care.
Besides providing treatment, residential settings assist residents in participating in social and physical activities, hosting gatherings and celebrations, and planning outings.
In comparison to a nursing home, a residential care home has a lower standard of care. This means that living in a residential care home is less expensive than living in a nursing home.
Identifying which environment is best for you
It can be difficult to assess your own treatment needs – how do you decide whether you need residential or nursing care?
Request a Needs Assessment from the local council, which will determine your needs and recommend whether you need nursing care.
