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One of the most commonly asked questions people have when it is time for their loved one to move into residential care is what the difference between a care home and a nursing home is.
Chances are that when you are talking about a care home, you could very well be talking about a nursing home. This is because ‘care home’ is a general term to describe residential care settings.
Different types of care homes work differently and provide different levels of care. Sometimes, what people refer to as a ‘care home’ may in fact be a home that only provides residential care, known as a residential care home.
The main difference between a care home and a nursing home is that a nursing home always has a qualified nurse on-site to provide medical care.
Difference between a care home and a nursing home
Both provide care and support 24 hours a day. However the big difference is that a nursing home is able to provide a higher level of care.
Nursing homes have qualified nurses on-site around the clock 24/7 to provide medical care when it is needed whereas residential settings help people with personal care and support them to be as mobile as they can.
Nursing homes are more expensive than care homes
The average weekly cost of residential care across the UK is £1,266, whereas the average weekly cost of living in a nursing home is £1,528.
These figures are for self-funded residents. Fees vary depending on where you live, with London being the most expensive, and what level of care you need.
What do care homes provide?
Residential settings provide 24-hour personal care and support for people who need help with daily tasks, such as washing, dressing or eating, but do not need nursing care. This can be provided on a short-term or long-term basis.
Some residential care homes can cater for some nursing needs through special care facilities or visiting health professionals. But they are mainly for older adults who are unable to live independently and manage their personal hygiene, medication and toileting or struggle with mobility.
Residents do not need frequent medical treatment
Residential care home residents may have a physical disability, a learning disability, mental health issues or other care needs due to old age, but do not need frequent medical treatment.
Staff are trained to provide the care and support residents need on a daily basis, such as administering medication, but may not be qualified to provide medical care.
In addition to the care provided, residential settings also help residents engage in social and physical activity, host events and parties and organise trips out.
In short, a residential care home provides a lower level of care. This means that the cost of living in a residential care home is also lower.
What do nursing homes provide?
Nursing homes care for people who struggle significantly with daily life or have various medical conditions and need regular treatment from registered nurses.
Nurses are supported by qualified care assistants, who are trained to identify symptoms and changes to residents’ conditions.
Sometimes referred to as a care home with nursing, it also offers 24-hour residential care but is equipped to look after people with complex needs, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Higher level of care
This means they are able to provide a higher level of care, which in turn means that they are more expensive. Nursing home costs are on average about £180 higher per week compared to what you can expect in residential settings.
However, if you have nursing needs, the NHS may pay for the nursing care component of your fees. Follow this link to read more about NHS-funded nursing care (FNC).
Some nursing homes specialise in a specific condition. This could be anything from severe learning disabilities, dementia or complex conditions to cancer, mental illness or severe physical disabilities.
Although a person living with dementia could be supported in a residential setting, a specialist dementia nursing home will be equipped to support people in the advanced stages of the disease.
Finding out which setting is right for you
It can be difficult to identify your care needs on your own.
The first thing to do is to request a Needs Assessment from your local council, which will identify your needs and recommend what kind of care you need.
