10 advantages of residential care

There are many advantages to residential care and this is a good option if your loved one’s care needs can no longer be met at home.

Benefits of care homes include safety, companionship, help with medication and peace of mind knowing your loved one receives care when they need it. But it can be a difficult choice to make, particularly if it is the first time you have been faced with such a decision.

You may be helping your mum, dad or other loved ones to figure out what would be the best option for them. Making a decision about moving into a care home is more difficult if you are uncertain about what to expect.

Advantages of residential care

1. Safety

Care homes, whether they provide residential or nursing care, or both, have staff on duty 24 hours a day to look after residents. This may be one of the most important things to consider when looking at care options because as we get older and our senses decline, simply walking around the house can be hazardous. If you have a fall at a care home as opposed to at home, there is staff readily available to look after you.

2. There is always help at hand

As care homes are staffed around the clock, there is always help at hand whether it is day or night. In nursing homes, there is always at least one qualified nurse on site to provide medical care should it be necessary.

3. Companionship

It is not uncommon to become lonely when you are elderly. Care homes offer you opportunities to socialise and interact with others on a daily basis. Residents are usually around the same age, giving you ample opportunity to reminisce and chat about the good old days.

4. Regular and nutritious meals

Eating and drinking properly is often a main concern when it comes to the elderly and frail. Getting the right nutrients is important at any stage of life but perhaps even more so at old age.

In a care home, residents are served regular meals and drinks according to their dietary needs to ensure they receive the nutrition they need.

5. Peace of mind for relatives

If you have an elderly loved one, knowing that they are safe and well looked after at all times is reassuring. If they struggle with mobility, it can give you peace of mind knowing that if something happens, someone will be there for them.

As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for older people to feel alone as they may not be able to get out and about as much as they used to. If your loved one is in a care home, you can rest assured that they have other people around them.

6. Clean and comfortable living environments

When you move into a care home, gone are the days of bringing the hoover out or doing the dishes. Residential and nursing homes are kept clean and residents are made to feel as comfortable as possible. A care home will be warm and tidy which means you do longer have to worry about the chores.

7. Medication management

If your loved one is living at home, they may miss or take too much of their medication. In care homes, staff can take care of this for them and administer your loved one’s medication to ensure they take their medication properly.

8. Specialist care

Some care needs are difficult to meet at home, such as if your loved one needs constant or frequent care. Many care homes provide specialist services for those who require higher levels of care. For example, some care homes specialise in dementia care and have specially trained staff to look after the residents.

9. Activities to keep body and mind fit

Care homes always try to improve the quality of life of residents and regularly put on events or activities. This could be anything from receiving visits from local schools or entertainers as well as gardening and exercise classes.

10. Your own private room

Even if you move into a care home, you will still have your own personal space to retire to whenever you want. Most care homes allow residents to personalise their rooms to make them feel like home.

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There are many things to consider before choosing a care home, including the type of care provided, facilities, activities, location and more. Watch the video below and read our guide to Finding a care home to make your search easier.