Trying to find the perfect care home for yourself or a loved one can often be a complicated and overwhelming process and a decision that requires great consideration. For some people, they may know the type of care that’s needed, and for others, it may not be quite as clear.
Many care homes in the UK offer different types of elderly care, some more than others. Care homes are not to be confused with retirement villages. We are going to talk about the four main care types that are generally offered in care homes. These four care types cover a wide range of needs, from those who need assistance with personal care or mobility, to those who require around-the-clock medical care.
Moving into a care home is designed to provide supported living to older people and help an individual to live independently, but this of course depends on each personal circumstance. One thing a care home definitely does is improve the quality of life of each resident through a person-centred approach to care.
Residential Care refers to long-term care given to adults who will benefit from group living as opposed to living on their own. Residential care homes provide around-the-clock support to those struggling with daily life activities whether that’s washing, dressing, eating or moving. These are the things we take for granted throughout our lives, so it’s important that these tasks can be achieved with little stress in old age.
The specially trained staff in a care home provide the support needed for a resident to reach their daily goals. In a care home, the residents can treat the home as their own, utilising the number of services and facilities available in order for them to get the very most out of each day.
Many care homes and nursing homes specialise in nursing care which is the most appropriate care solution for individuals who require medical care, personal care and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a person’s illness or health condition worsens, it’s vital they can be looked after properly and get the care they truly need in a care home or nursing home. A team of registered nurses provides specialist care to those with physical disabilities, high dependency needs, long-term health conditions as well as those seeking palliative care.
The nurses will be able to monitor a resident’s condition, administer medication, assist with personal care, support those who are immobile and be there at all hours of the day and night as a friendly face to talk to. A nursing home provides compassionate care and support to both residents and loved ones. Those with a primary need, who have severe mental health conditions or a life threatening illness may be eligible for funding from the NHS called Complex Clinical Care (previously known as NHS Continuing Healthcare) following a needs assessment performed by a clinical team.
Dementia is a mental health condition that is common in older people. It can affect a person’s ability to communicate, rationalise and carry out simple tasks which can also lead to challenging behaviors, so it’s important they receive specialist care as soon as possible to help relieve unpleasant symptoms. Those living with dementia can continue to live their life to the fullest, with the help of a dedicated care team in a home environment.
A care home's aim is to help maintain residents' independence for as long as possible despite cognitive impairment and limited mobility. Those who are trained and experienced in dementia care will be able to support those at different stages as well as the different types of dementia including Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer's. The dementia care team can support with personal care, cognitive function, stress and distress, mobility, eating and much more. As some individuals will require more support than others, a personalised care plan is created for each resident that is strictly followed by the team to cater to their needs.
Respite Care is a short term care option, provided to those who need to recover from an illness or injury. It is also suitable for carers who are looking after their loved ones at home and who need a break from their responsibilities. At a care home, a team of professionals is able to care for temporary stay residents until they are ready to return to their normal routines. Respite care can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Respite care can also be used to trial a care home, this usually lasts for four weeks and provides prospective residents with the opportunity to get a true feel for the home, their staff and fellow residents. As a first priority, care needs will always be met, then residents can use their time to do the things that matter most to them, taking part in engaging activities, using luxury facilities and enjoying home-cooked meals.
Palliative care, often referred to as end-of-life care, is a dedicated care service aimed at offering comfort and assistance to individuals in the final stages of their lives, whether due to natural causes associated with old age, terminal illnesses or life-limiting conditions. This period can be emotionally challenging for the individual and their loved ones. Our primary focus is on alleviating pain and managing symptoms, all while upholding the person's dignity and honoring their preferences.
We firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with respect and compassion, and our dedicated caregivers are committed to making this a reality. We understand the importance of family during this time, and we encourage loved ones to spend as much time as possible with their family member. Our palliative care team offers unwavering emotional support to both the individual and their family, guiding them through this difficult journey.
At Haddington Care Home, we provide exemplary Nursing Care, Residential Care, Dementia Care, Respite Care and Palliative Care 24 hours a day in a purpose-built, luxury care facility for 68 residents. Our team goes above and beyond in maximising the capabilities of each resident, by supporting them and providing all they could ever need to live a full and comfortable life here at Haddington.
When someone moves to Haddington Care Home, we want them to treat our home as they would their own. Each room has been beautifully designed with no detail left untouched. Our home features an array of all-inclusive facilities including a communal and private dining room, private gardens, a hair salon and varied activities programme which enables residents to get the very most out of each day. We cater to a range of care needs and interests and strongly believe we can change someone's life for the better.
If you would like to find out more about the care services we provide or our facilities, get in touch with a friendly member of staff. You can reach us by calling 01620 674880, or emailing info@haddingtoncarehome.co.uk. You can also complete our online Enquiry Form and a member of the team will get back to you soon. We look forward to hearing from you.