What Kind of Care Home Does Your Loved One Need?

As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive appropriate care tailored to their needs becomes paramount. There are many types of accommodation and care services available for older adults, from assisted living facilities to nursing homes, each offering a different level of support. To determine the right kind of care home, you’ll need to consider various factors, from the person’s unique health needs, their preferred lifestyle to their personal care budget.

In this article, we'll explore the various accommodation options and types of care homes available for older adults in the UK. We’ll also discuss the specialised care services they may offer, and provide guidance on choosing the perfect residence for your loved one. 

Housing and Residential Care Options for Older Adults

Though we all want to continue living at home for as long as possible, there may come a time when this is no longer practical. To best support your family member in their decision to move, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the choices on offer. There are many housing options available for older adults, whether they only require occasional support with daily tasks or need more specialised medical care.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing provides an option for individuals who enjoy independent living but would benefit from additional security and community presence. These settings typically offer private living spaces, shared amenities such as lounges and gardens, and an on-call team for emergencies.

Assisted Living

Assisted living or extra-care housing offers more comprehensive support than sheltered accommodation. It offers older adults the opportunity to live in a self-contained apartment while receiving regular visits from on-site staff, who may provide a variety of personal care services. For example, they may be able to help with meal preparation, taking medication and household tasks such as cleaning.

Residential Homes

Residential care homes are ideal for older adults who would appreciate the convenience of 24-hour support. Trained carers are on-call to provide help with various activities of daily living, from washing and dressing to getting into bed. Care homes also provide regular meals, laundry and housekeeping services and organised social activities, contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock nursing care for individuals with more complex health needs that cannot be met in a residential home setting. They are staffed by registered nurses as well as care assistants, who are on hand to assist with residents’ medical needs whenever required.

Dual-Registered Care Homes

Dual-registered care homes, such as KYN, are equipped to offer both residential and nursing care to older adults. This means that residents will generally not need to move care homes if they begin to require a higher level of support. They are the ideal choice for individuals whose long-term care needs might change over time, allowing for continuity of care in familiar surroundings.

Specialised Residential and Nursing Care Services

Many care homes provide specialised services that cater to specific needs, medical conditions and life situations. For example:

●       Respite care homes offer short-term residential stays for older adults, providing temporary relief for primary caregivers along with a break for the person. These services can also benefit older adults who require short-term rehab in a residential care setting following a surgery or illness. Some people choose to book a respite break to see what living in a particular care environment can be like.

●       Dementia care homes offer specialist care services for individuals living with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to providing personal and nursing care, they aim to create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes independence and fosters cognitive stimulation.

●       Palliative care homes  provide comprehensive medical and supportive care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The focus is on managing pain and symptoms, providing psychological, social, and spiritual support and maintaining quality of life during end-of-life care.

KYN care homes offer the highest standards of residential, nursing, dementia, respite and palliative care, allowing our residents to live fulfilled and independent lives. We take the time to understand each resident as an individual, providing truly personalised care tailored to their needs, lifestyle and wishes.

What Kind of Care Home Do I Need?

Arranging a care needs assessment for your loved one can help to determine the level of care needed. This should provide some guidance as to which kind of care home would most benefit them. When choosing a care home, consider the results of your loved one’s care assessment as well as the home's location and the range of care home amenities and activities on offer. Visiting the residence in person can help you get a feel for the overall atmosphere.

Care home reviews and ratings from the CQC can provide insight into the home’s quality of care. Guided by care home regulations, they offer an invaluable tool in the decision-making process. It’s also important to consider your care budget, as care home costs may vary. For more information, see our guide to choosing a care home.

Discover KYN Luxury Care Homes

At KYN, we provide outstanding residential, nursing and dementia care for older adults. We pride ourselves on establishing personal connections with each resident, offering comprehensive care that is precisely aligned with their unique needs and preferences. KYN residents live in households of like-minded individuals, with support from a dedicated head carer and nurse. Our beautiful living spaces, terraces and gardens offer the perfect place to relax and socialise, while our ever-changing programme of enriching activities offers a wealth of intellectual, creative and recreational opportunities, from live music to artistic workshops.

To request a KYN brochure, enquire today. Fill in our online form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.