When the time comes to consider a loved one moving into some kind of residential care, many of us will probably find ourselves wondering what the difference is between a care home and a nursing home.
We might also wonder if this means our loved one will face the prospect of a reduced quality of life.
In this short post we’ll look at both these points with a view to answering some of the questions they raise.
Differences between a care home and a nursing home
It’s likely that most people will think that care homes and nursing homes are the same thing with a different name. They’re not. While both provide care and support 24 hours a day, the main difference between them is the nursing aspect.
While care homes provide people with personal care and support to help them be as mobile as possible, a nursing home will have qualified nurses on-site round the clock to provide medical care if needed, supported by care assistants who are trained to identify symptoms and changes to residents’ conditions.
Choosing between a care home and nursing home
It’s important to understand the options available so you can find the best care. You should choose a care home if you want a secure and safe place where your loved one can receive 24-hour personal care and support.
There will be trained staff to look after residents day and night to make sure their personal needs are taken care of. There should be activities to enjoy, nourishing food at mealtimes, and plenty of freedom to be themselves so they feel at home.
The care home team will also provide them with support is needed for things like bathing and taking medication.
You should choose a nursing home if your loved one has a condition that needs regular medical treatment and 24-hour residential care from registered nurses.
There are nursing homes of this kind specialising in such conditions as dementia, strokes, post-operative care, or palliative and end of life care. Here residents receive a personal care plan designed around their individual needs and the medical care they require.
Fairmile Grange Care Home
Fairmile Grange is a modern, purpose-built care home in Christchurch, Dorset, sitting within the ‘care campus’ of the Christchurch hospital and delivered in partnership with the NHS.
As a resident here you can enjoy your independence, with a care team that take the time to get to know you and make you feel at home amongst friends. Should you need specialist nursing care, our qualified nurses are on-hand to support you 24 hours a day in first class facilities.
Fairmile Grange offer expert care in all five key areas:
- Residential
- Nursing
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s
- Palliative / End of life
- Respite care
The wellbeing team are very good at organising activities and events, so there’s something interesting going on here every day. One day we might have a singer to entertain us, or you could find yourself involved in quizzes and games. You can enjoy a pamper session from time to time, and even pets are welcome.
