Types of care home

There are hundreds of care homes across the UK offering many different types of service. All care homes are regulated by an independent body for the type of care they provide, and they are the only services they are able to offer.

Some care homes are run by local councils, some are run by not-for-profit organisations, and some are run by private businesses.

There are basically three types of care home:

Care homes - which sometimes called residential homes - are appropriate for people who can no longer manage in their own home.They provide personal or residential care for their clients. This can either be on a short or long-term basis.

Services offered normally include:

• living accommodation
• meals
• personal care which includes things like help with bathing and dressing

Staff will be available around the clock. You should also expect physical and emotional care.

Care homes with nursing are sometimes referred to as nursing homes. They offer the same services as standard care homes but are appropriate for people who have a disability or illness which means they need frequent nursing care because they employ registered nurses. Stays can either be short-term or long-term.

Some homes are designed to meet the needs of dementia related illnesses, convalescence, or palliative care.

If you have a particular disability or needs, then a specialist care home will be the answer for you. There they will have specially trained staff and adapted facilities.