Figuring out which care home you might need can be confusing. Looking for a care home can be a difficult time, especially if there are specific needs, such as illness, that you need them to cater to. It is a big decision to make, and it’s important that you are comfortable with your choice. We are here to break down the different types of care homes so that you can choose the type that is right for you.

Age UK have placed care homes into four categories;

• Care homes

• Nursing Homes

• Care homes with dementia care

• Dual-registered care homes

Care Homes

They provide professional care and services. These include social care such as day trips, activities and outings and personal care when it is needed. This includes but is not limited to, help when bathing, dressing and going to the toilet.

Nursing Homes

These can also be called ‘care homes with nursing’. They provide the same care as the aforementioned care homes, but with nurses to help administer care.

Care homes with Dementia Care

These care homes are designed specifically for people with dementia. They are based on the idea of making people with dementia feel safe and secure. They often have specialized care and technology to help with this, including advancements in sensory tools that help dementia patients.

Dual-Registered Care Homes

These homes are helpful if you don’t want to change homes in the future. They accept residents that need both personal and nursing level care. This means that residents don’t have to move homes if they need nurse or dementia assistance in the future.

Think About What You Want and Need

You must get a realistic feel of the care home you will be living in. Under each one of these four branches are a wide variety of care facilities. Think about what is important to you about your lifestyle. Perhaps you would prefer a home with a cinema room, a salon and other on-site facilities. Or maybe you would prefer a home that is more integrated into the local community and organizes excursions and activities outside the home.

It might be that you are looking for extra special care and attention when it comes to your health. Whatever you need, there is a care home out there that will provide it, and it is always best to do your research before committing to a specific one.

Many care homes tick all or a lot of the above boxes. The Heathfield Court care home in Erith provides a wealth of different types of care. Residents can have a home for life, and not have to move if they end up with health conditions. It has a lot of facilities from an on-site bistro, to ensuite bedrooms and even a Tovertafel table which is designed to help dementia patients. They also have a beautiful roof terrace and gardens and often organize a variety of activities and day trips.

It is a difficult decision to make when you are considering moving into a home, but with the right research, you can find somewhere you love being.