The Residential Care Home Journey – it can be a better life

S HAWKER • November 10, 2021

Who wouldn’t want to stay in their family home living independently for as long as possible? 

But what happens when you are alone, feeling lonely and need support to cope? 

It can be a difficult choice to take the step to move into a care home, however it can be a positive step forward and a real surprise in the improvement of quality of life for many older people.


There are of course a number of options available including care at home and sheltered or extra care housing, but with all of these options people are still alone with minimal company and support, often just enough for essential care tasks.  Whilst sheltered or extra care housing are very popular they still entail a move from home to a new setting where social interactions will be limited.


Here we set out some of the differences between receiving care in a Residential Care Home and receiving Care at Home; whether that be your long-standing home or in a new setting.

Personalisation

Care at Home 

The agency will learn about your care needs and plan what is required, but care may be minimal as the time spent with each person can be very limited.

Care Home

Staff will be around and available to provide assistance 24 hours a day.  The team will work with you and your loved ones to find out all about your needs, interests and preferences. They will personalise your care and draw up a comprehensive care plan.  As the team get to know you better, they’ll discover extra information about what makes you the individual you are and provide care accordingly.

Social Interaction

Care at Home

Unless your carer is employed to offer companionship, their time will not include activities or social interaction.

Care Home

Our staff offer a wide range of group and one-to-one activities that are tailored to fit our residents’ hobbies and interests.  This includes structured activities such as quizzes, exercise sessions, art, gardening and much more.  They will also have time to spend for a quiet chat or just keeping you company when you want someone around.  We have a trained counsellor who visits regularly and can just have a supportive, confidential chat if you want.  Our Care Assistants will offer you film nights, support you to follow previous interests using our iPads or smart TV’s, organise musical entertainers to visit and help you celebrate special days and occasions.  You won't want to be on the go all of the time of course, you will also have your own private space for when you would prefer some peace and quiet or time alone.

Quality of Food and Nutrition

Care at Home

If your care package includes cooking a meal, this will only be from the food that’s available at the time.  Your carer will have limited time to prepare a simple meal or may re-heat pre-prepared meals that you have already purchased.  They may leave you a cold plate for later in the day if they are not returning.

Care Home

Our award winning in-house catering team provide delicious home cooked meals throughout the day, tailored to the needs and preferences of residents.   Our team are trained to adapt meals to suit health conditions and can provide for diabetic diets, soft diets and allergy sufferers.  All of our meals are home-made from scratch, including our delicious cooked breakfasts, three course lunches, cakes and treats and dinner time choices.  We put an emphasis on making meal-times an enjoyable occasion where there is the opportunity for social interaction, spending time with friends whilst enjoying a tasty and nutritious offering.  Our staff are available to provide drinks and snacks throughout the day and night so there is always something when you fancy it.   

Flexible Care and Continuity

Care at Home

This will depend on the availability of carers and the convenience of slots.  You will most probably have to accept the times the agency is able to call rather than pick your preferred times to get up, have meals, go to bed.

Care Home

We work with you to prepare a care plan which will set out your wishes and preferences, out staff team are on duty around the clock to meet your choices.  If you prefer to have a lie in, or like a late night it is entirely your decision.  If you would rather eat later in the day or tend to wake in the night when you would really appreciate a cup of tea, we can accommodate your wishes.  Although most people like a routine, we can also adapt your care on a daily basis depending how you are feeling, after-all none of us feel the same every day.

Keeping Safe

Care at Home

A carer can make sure you are OK when they visit and may be able to help you get around your home.  If you are at risk of falling you may need to consider a pendant alarm to alert someone if you need help.

Care Home

We provide 24 hour care so there is always someone only seconds away from providing emergency assistance.  We have call bells in every room to enable you to summon support when you need it.  As agreed with you in your care plan, our Care Assistants will make regular checks on you day and night to make sure you remain safe, providing you and your family with the ultimate peace of mind day and night. 

To find out more contact our admissions team here.


You may also be interested in our Guide to Positive Care Home Visiting

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