Residential care vs. nursing Care: Understanding the differences

Residential care vs. nursing Care: Understanding the differences

Residential care

Residential care homes provide accommodation and personal care for people who need support with daily activities but do not require regular medical attention. Personal care includes assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication. These homes offer a safe and comfortable environment where residents can receive the help they need while maintaining a level of independence.

• Personal care: assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
• Medication management: helping residents take their prescribed medications.
• Social and recreational Activities: organising activities and outings to enhance the quality of life.
• Supervision and safety: ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in a supportive environment.

Residential care homes are staffed by caregivers who are trained to provide personal care and support, but they do not require nursing qualifications. The staff-to-resident ratio in residential care homes is generally lower than in nursing care homes, reflecting the lower level of medical care needed.

The cost of residential care varies depending on factors such as location, the level of care required, and the amenities provided. In general, residential care homes are less expensive than nursing care homes because they do not provide medical care. Funding for residential care can come from various sources, including personal contributions, local authority funding or benefits.

Nursing care

Nursing care homes, on the other hand, provide the same level of personal care as residential care homes but also have qualified nurses on duty 24/7. These homes cater to individuals with more complex health needs that require regular medical supervision, treatment, or care. Nursing care homes are equipped to handle medical emergencies and ongoing health issues, providing a higher level of clinical care.

• Medical care: provision of medical treatments and procedures by qualified nurses.
• Chronic disease management: ongoing care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues.
• Post-surgical care: recovery support for individuals who have undergone surgery.
• Palliative care: specialised care for individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses.
• Complex medication management: administration and monitoring of complex medication regimes.

Nursing care homes employ qualified nurses who have undergone rigorous training and hold nursing degrees. These nurses are responsible for administering medical treatments, managing chronic conditions, and providing clinical care. The staff-to-resident ratio in nursing care homes is typically higher, ensuring that residents receive the necessary medical attention and supervision.

Nursing care homes are more expensive due to the higher level of medical care provided and the need for qualified nursing staff. The cost can be significantly higher, and funding options include personal contributions, local authority funding, NHS continuing healthcare or benefits.

How St Monica Trust can support

We enjoy nothing more than getting to know our residents and the whole team works together to support you as an individual. You can rest assured that our registered nurses are on hand 24 hours a day. Take your pick from the wide variety of activities on offer each week and become part of a welcoming community where you are valued and respected. Enjoy the delicious and nutritionally-balanced food cooked from scratch by our team of chefs. If you need a little help getting mobile our on-site physiotherapists are on hand. Meanwhile our pastoral care team are available to support you, whether you’re of a particular faith, religious affiliation or none.

Whether that’s the peace and quiet of our beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms or socialising within our vibrant communal areas, Charterhouse has been carefully created with you and your well-being in mind. Take part in a regular programme of activities, enjoy excellent food prepared from scratch by our team of chefs and if you need a little help getting mobile our on-site physiotherapists are on hand. Meanwhile our pastoral care team are available to support you, whether you’re of a particular faith, religious affiliation or none.