It can be confusing when it comes to choosing a care home. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for yourself or a loved one, there’s plenty to consider. While you will need to give thought to the location of any nursing and care home, as well as the fees and a host of other factors, the first point to address is the type of care that’s offered.

There are some homes, such as ours in Margate, that provide more than just one type of care. Others may be restricted to caring, without the nursing element. We’re going to take a look at the types of care homes that exist and what they offer so that you can decide on what’s the best option for you.

What’s the role of a care home?

Before we look at the types of care available, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what they, as a whole, offer to people. On a basic level, care homes are there to offer accommodation support and care to people who need assistance managing daily life. The type of assistance could include help with things such as washing, dressing and eating.

Care homes, such as St Michael’s, also offer an array of social events and activities. This allows residents to keep themselves busy learning new skills or revisiting past ones. There are also planned days out that take place regularly. They also offer specialist nursing care.

The types of care offered

There are various types of care that you’ll come across. Bear in mind that some homes, such as St Michael’s, will offer a combination of services. Let’s take a look at these now:

Residential care homes

A residential care home offers a residential setting for people who have difficulty staying in their own homes. This type of care can be either long-term or short term and residents can be assured of having all of their needs met.

The type of needs catered for are those that prevent someone from coping with all of their daily tasks. Residents here don’t require 24/7 nursing care, but they do need assistance to help them to live as independently as possible.

This type of care home will offer residents a furnished or unfurnished room which is solely theirs. They are also provided with meals and housekeeping needs are all taken care of. Residents are also allowed to utilise facilities within the care home. This could include the likes of hair salons, gardens and cafes.

Residential care homes have long-term residents, but they also offer short-term respite care. Some will also offer palliative and end-of-life care.

Nursing care homes

Nursing care homes offer the same care that you’d experience in a care home, but there is one key difference: there is 24/7 medical care from qualified nurses. If you, or a loved one, need ongoing support or a certain condition or disability then a home with nursing may be the best option.

People who benefit from a nursing home are those who have significant difficulty dealing with daily tasks. The support required goes beyond what is offered by residential care and the qualified nurses are equipped to deal with a host of healthcare needs.

Just some examples of where a home with nursing care could be the right option include:

  • Someone who needs intensive rehabilitation – this could be someone who has suffered a stroke
  • A range of physical disabilities that require additional care
  • A person who needs a feeding tube as they’re unable to swallow or eat an adequate amount
  • Other long-term conditions

Are there any other types of care to consider?

At times, different levels of care are required. It could be that nursing care isn’t required or that levels of independence mean that a residential setting isn’t quite right. On the other hand, it could be that more specialist care is needed. Here’s a look at some of the other options:

Dementia care homes

Dementia is a cruel illness that is often terrifying to everyone who is impacted. Care homes that cater for dementia have specialist staff to ensure that the very best levels of care are provided. There is a significant focus on the additional safety requirements that those suffering from dementia need.

Retirement villages

Where there is a larger degree of independence, a retirement village could be the right choice. Here, residents can buy their own apartments and have the freedom to decorate and furnish as they choose. While independence is key, there is also the knowledge that help is there if required. While there is the option to pay for additional care, you’ll also find things such as fall sensors and accessible showers installed to make life as easy as possible.

Extra housing care

Also known as assisted living, among other names, this is an option where nursing care isn’t required. Again, this allows for a greater level of independence than a care home as residents live in their own self-contained flats. Meals are provided and additional care and support are available if required. Many extra housing providers also have a site manager who can be contacted 24/7 if there is any type of emergency.

Our care at St Michael’s, Margate

If you’re seeking care in the Margate area, at St Michael’s we can promise you the very best. We offer residential, nursing and respite care in a stunning environment with exceptionally talented, and caring, staff. If you want to know more about the care that we offer, why not get in touch today?