Choosing a Care Home

Most older people would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. At home they are independent and in familiar surroundings. However, staying at home may not always be appropriate or practical. There are other options available to older people, including Sheltered Housing, Extra Care Housing, Close Care (or Very Sheltered Housing), Care Homes, Care Homes with Nursing and Dual Registered Homes.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered Housing typically comprises self-contained flats or bungalows within a complex. There is a warden/manager who will keep in regular contact with the residents and will call for help if needed but will not offer day to day assistance. Sheltered Housing is for those who want to remain independent but like to have the security of someone close at hand.

Advantages

Retain independence
Gardens and property maintained by someone else
Regular contact with warden
Outings/activities sometimes arranged
Emergency alarm call system fitted in each flat or bungalow
Communal facilities sometimes available
Properties usually available for rent or purchase

Disadvantages

No care provided. This would have to be arranged privately
Accommodation can sometimes be small
Meals not usually provided
May have upheaval of another move if more care is needed in the future
Service charge usually applicable

Extra Care Housing

Extra Care Housing is very sheltered housing with a range of additional facilities and support. There is 24 hour care to meet individual care plans with the flexibility to respond to fluctuations in care needs.

Advantages

Promotes independence
Part of a Community
Own front door
Support/care available 24 hours per day
Restaurant
Assisted baths
Launderette

Disadvantages

Likely to have specific admission criteria
May not be able to provide a home for life
New concept so not widely available

Close Care

Close Care (or Very Sheltered Housing) is similar to sheltered housing in that residents retain their independence. However, close care flats/bungalows are situated within the grounds of a care home so care is available if required.

Advantages

Retain independence with reassurance of 24 hour care close by if needed
Can usually use the facilities of the main house e.g communal areas, join in activities and outings
Meals are sometimes provided either as part of a package or at a small extra charge
Domestic help can usually be provided
Close care properties are usually available for rent or purchase
Possibility of moving into main house if more care is needed

Disadvantages

Properties can sometimes be small
Close care is still a fairly new concept, so not widely available
Value of the property can be affected by the success of the whole complex

Care Homes (Previously known as Residential Homes)

Good care homes should provide care and security within a comfortable setting. Residents are usually reasonably mobile and can manage most things for themselves. Assistance with personal care is provided. Limited nursing care, if needed, is provided by the District Nurse. Care and community spirit within a care home may vary. In some homes, residents are encouraged to have an active role within the home, to some extent it depends on the type of residents at the home and the attitude of the Matron and her staff.

Each person has their own room, furnished as they wish, often with their own bathroom. It is sometimes possible to have a suite of two or more rooms but this is unusual. Public rooms provide hotel like facilities.

Advantages

24 hour assistance available
Help with personal care if needed
Activities/outings organized
Company and companionship
Safe Environment
Meals provided
No worries about maintaining house/garden and paying household bills

Disadvantages

Some loss of independence
Rooms sometimes small therefore not able to take many personal belongings / items of furniture
The home ownership may change or the home may close
Other residents may not be congenial

Care Homes with Nursing (Previously known as Nursing Homes)

Care Homes with Nursing provide care for the more infirm elderly. Residents usually require a high level of care and medical attention. The homes are usually bigger than care homes and are often purpose built.

Advantages

24 Hour medical assistance available
Qualified nurses on duty
Assistance with personal care
Safe/comfortable environment
Stimulating activities organized
Meals provided
No worries about maintaining house/garden and paying household bills

Disadvantages

Loss of independence
Rooms can sometimes be small
Expensive
Not suitable for active alert older people who need very little assistance

Dual Registered Homes

Some homes have dual registration, which means that they are able to provide both residential and nursing care. The main advantage to this is that if an older person does not need nursing care now but may in the future, there will be no need to face the upheaval of a further move.

Viewing

Whichever setting is most appropriate to the older person and their individual circumstances, they are advised to view a number of homes and to discuss their requirements with the Matron or Manager. An assessment will be required to ensure that care needs can be met, prior to acceptance into care. The older person should consider their own criteria such as location, accommodation, facilities offered and of course any budgetary constraints.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission for Social Care Inspection is the single, independent inspectorate for social care in England. It was created by the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003.

The Commission inspects, regulates and reviews all social care services against national minimal standards set by the Government. Its primary function is to promote improvements in social care.

If you require further assistance or would like to speak to an Independent Care Adviser please call 0800 137 669