Are you interested in residential care but unsure if it is the right option for you or your loved one? Enlisting care home services is a big step, and not one to be taken lightly, so ensuring you have a clear understanding of what it entails is essential.
In this guide, we answer the question “what is a residential care home?”, list some of the main benefits, and more, so you can determine if it is an appropriate consideration for your circumstances.
What Is a Residential Care Home?
A residential care home provides round-the-clock personal care and accommodation to people who need extra support with the running of their day-to-day lives due to age, physical disabilities, or other care needs. Residents are considered from the age of 60+. When daily tasks prove difficult, it may be time to seek assistance in some way.
Residents occupy their own rooms with support, including assistance with washing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management and assistance with mobility where necessary. Person-centred care ensures that their needs are catered for, so the right balance of support and independence can be achieved.
Aside from helping with physical tasks, residential care homes also provide social interactions and activities throughout each day to ensure that emotional and social well-being is addressed. This could include regular outings and group activities, such as dance classes or gardening, for instance.
Residential care homes ensure that their residents lead safe, fulfilling and happy lives. They deliver 24/7 care, engaging activities, delivering a sense of community and a homely environment. Other homes may specialise in dementia or nursing care.
Did You Know? Residential care homes and nursing homes are not the same. While residential homes offer a more general level of care and support, nursing homes also provide nursing support and must always have a qualified nurse on-site to give medical care.
Benefits of Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes can provide many benefits to residents and their families. These include:
- Professional and Personalised Support 24/7: Qualified carers are there to help with daily needs as well as emergencies, so professional help is always available no matter the issue or time of day. Support is also personalised to each resident to ensure all their individual needs are met, whether it’s help with bathing, mobility, going to the toilet, medication, or providing regular social interactions.
- Safety and Comfort: The safety and comfort of residents is a top priority for residential care homes. Therefore, they will be well-equipped with safety features, such as emergency call buttons and handrails, and an accessible design. Moreover, residents tend to have their own bedroom, so it can be personalised to feel more welcoming and familiar. Some homes even allow you to bring in furniture or pets.
- Regular and Nutritious Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, as well as snacks in between, with dietary needs taken into consideration. Generally, residents dine together in a communal dining room, which helps encourage social interaction and combat loneliness.
- No Household Chores: Moving into a residential care home eradicates the need to complete household chores, as staff take care of the cleaning as well as laundry.
- Range of Facilities: Many homes are equipped with various facilities to improve residents’ quality of life and make their stay more enjoyable and comfortable. These could include a hairdresser’s, communal areas, accessible gardens, etc.
- Social Activities: There are also many opportunities to enjoy activities, hobbies, and go out on day trips. Popular options include arts and crafts, pet therapy, dancing, and poetry. Landscaped gardens are common features of homes, allowing the green-fingered to enjoy their hobby and other residents to get fresh air. A good range of social activities helps to reduce loneliness and enhance overall well-being.
- Affordability: Residential care homes often prove to be a more cost-effective option compared to hiring experienced nursing care. This makes homes more accessible to people who need daily support but not extensive medical care.
- Relief for Loved Ones: Realising a family member or friend cannot cope without help can be stressful and upsetting. By choosing residential care, loved ones can be comforted knowing that high-quality care and professional support are being provided.
How to Know if Residential Care is the Right Option
Determining if residential care is the right option can be difficult. It may be time to consider this type of care if the person:
- Finds it challenging to live at home even with support. This could include struggling with daily tasks, such as personal care, chores, and meal preparation.
- Feels lonely or socially isolated in their current living situation.
- Needs a secure and safe environment, such as those at risk of falls or accidents, with staff on hand to help at any hour of the day.
- Has had a needs assessment, and a care home was suggested as the best option.
It is often a good idea to have a discussion with the person in question (if possible) to see how they feel about residential care and then decide what is best. It can also be beneficial to consult with friends, family, or a GP if you need further advice.
Making the decision to utilise residential care often leaves loved ones feeling upset or guilty. However, it is important to remember that residential care can help the person get the exact level of help they need, and they will have 24/7 support from experienced staff.
How to Find an Appropriate Residential Care Home
Numerous factors should be considered when selecting a residential care home.
Location
Selecting a home that is close to relatives and friends is highly recommended, and ideally, it should be located in an area the person finds familiar.
Activities
Choose a home that offers a generous range of hobbies and activities, including those suited to the person’s lifestyle and interests.
Facilities
A residential care home with a good variety of facilities is also important, such as cosy rooms, numerous communal areas, and well-kept gardens.
Staff Qualifications
Check what experience and qualifications the staff have and make sure they are known for their attentive and supportive care.
Cost
Ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the home’s fees and what services these include.
Discover Swarthmore Residential Care Home
Swarthmore Residential Care Home in Buckinghamshire is an independent home with a fantastic reputation and a real family feel. We adopt a personalised approach for each resident, prioritising their health and well-being, with experienced and well-trained staff. Here are some of the top reasons to choose our home:
- Excellent Facilities: Our services provide the following: meals freshly prepared daily, a spacious communal dining area, a light-filled lounge, and a homely quiet room with a view of our landscaped garden. Additionally, our bedrooms come with a full or partial ensuite, and all rooms include a 32” smart TV and WiFi. At Swarthmore, we encourage residents to personalise their space to make them feel at home. We even offer on-site hairdressing and chiropody services!
- Range of Activities: We provide a diverse range of social activities for residents to participate in, and these can be personalised to align with their interests. For instance, our activities include pet therapy, poetry, art classes, and regular group outings.
- Dementia and Respite Care: Swarthmore not only offers residential care but also provides residential dementia care and respite care.
- Peace of Mind: Every single resident at Swarthmore receives the highest possible standard of care and support, so loved ones can have peace of mind that they are well looked after.
To find out more, get in touch with our friendly team at Swarthmore Care Home, who are on hand to offer guidance, provide reassurance, and answer any questions you may have about our residential care services.