Types
of Care
You cannot simply split
social care services between residential care and home care.
There are many new schemes, such as extra
care housing and sheltered housing that enable you to receive
care, as and when you need, yet remain as independent as possible.
This article gives you an idea about the needs of people who
use care service and care homes and what is offered in each
case.
Care Homes There are two main types of care homes, those with nursing
care and those without.
Residential
Care homes
Residential
homes offer an option for those who are having difficulties
coping, or need more help than their carers are
able to provide. A residential home provides you with accommodation,
meals and personal care and is usually long term. This means
help to bath and dress, but not nursing care for any medical
conditions you may have. The normal minimum age for admission
into a residential home is sixty-five, but you should check,
as some homes may admit younger residents. You may be able
to mix and match various types of care, including taking
regular short breaks from the relative who usually looks
after you.
This is called respite care and fees are generally higher.
Care
homes with nursing care
Nursing homes also provide accommodation, meals and personal
care, but additionally always have qualified nurses who can
give care for those who have more complex health needs. They
may also provide specialist dementia care. The fees are usually
higher than in a residential home but it is possible to receive
funding towards them. Again the minimum age is usually sixty-five.
Dual registered homes These offer both nursing and residential care. This is ideal
for couples who require different levels of care, or if your
needs may change in the future. Dual homes are usually registered
for a detailed number of nursing and residential beds.
All care homes and nursing homes are registered and inspected
frequently
Dementia and specialist care
The elderly
with Dementia related conditions like Alzheimer’s
may, depending on the level of dementia, receive care in a
nursing or residential home. However there are specialist units,
which have experienced staff and modified facilities. It’s
always best to discuss your needs with your local home first.
They can offer guidance and arrange an assessment if needed.
There are also specialist care homes for conditions like Parkinson’s
disease; again the staff will be specially trained and have
adapted facilities.
Convalescent
or post-operative care
This offers
short-term care for people recuperating from an operation
or illness. Most nursing homes offer both restorative
and post-operative care, but residential homes will generally
only offer convalescent care. Fees are generally higher for
short stays.
Palliative
and terminal care
This is
compassionate care of the long term and terminally ill and
fixed on improving the quality of life. Palliative
care mainly concentrates on pain control and symptoms. These
specialist approaches include the individual, the family, friends,
carers and, and expands to grief and bereavement.
Care in
your own home
You can
arrange to be cared for in your own home or get local agencies
to arrange this for you. Carers can help
with personal
care, dressing, bathing, preparing meals or provide support
and respite for carers. This type of care may just be for
a few hours or twenty-four hour care if needed. If you
need to make your home more comfortable
and user friendly, grab rails, stair lifts etc, it may be possible
to get a grant for this.
Nurses
agencies Some nursing agencies send nurses to visit the elderly at
home if they need medical or specialist care. This is usually
after discharge from hospital. The regularity of the visits
can fluctuate from several times a day to once a week, depending
on the requirements of the individual.
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