Care homes provide accommodation, care and support for those who need help with managing daily life and everyday risks. Depending on individual needs, this can include personal care such as help with dressing, washing and eating. Care homes can also offer companionship and various social activities, including trips out into the community and supporting residents with their hobbies and interests.
Many care homes also provide dedicated dementia care communities, with approximately 75% of elderly people in care homes living with dementia.
Residential dementia care homes
Residential dementia care homes can offer long and short-term care for older people and younger adults. They are designed for people who do not need 24-hour nursing care but are unable to fully care for their own daily needs and so cannot live independently.
The focus of residential dementia care is on supporting and maintaining independence as much as possible, with fellow healthcare professionals such as GPs, district nurses and physiotherapists providing support where needed.
Residents will benefit from personal care when needed from an experienced team of care assistants, and will also be able to take part in the care home’s activities programme to support their hobbies and interests, which often includes trips out into the local community.
Nursing dementia care homes
The main difference between a residential dementia care home and a nursing dementia care home is that a nursing home will always have a qualified nurse on site. This means they can provide 24-hour clinical nursing care, as well as providing a cosy and caring place to live.
The focus of nursing dementia care is to support people who require continual support with daily living, which may be due to a specific condition, disability or because of symptoms of more advanced stages of dementia. Primary care services are also provided by local GPs, dentists, physiotherapists and other providers.
Residents will benefit from personal care and nursing care from an experienced care team. They will also be supported with an activities programme so they can enjoy their hobbies and interests, in addition to visits out into the local area.
For advice and support on finding the right dementia care home for you, please speak to our professional care advisors on 0333 999 8699
Alternatively, use our helpful search tool to find a care home near you