When families start exploring care options, terms such as care home, residential home and nursing home can quickly become confusing. So, when comparing a care home vs nursing home, what actually separates the two?
The main difference is the level of healthcare provided. A residential care home offers accommodation, personal care and day-to-day support, while a nursing home provides similar support alongside nursing care from qualified nurses. Some homes offer both types of care, so it is always worth checking exactly what an individual provider can accommodate.
What Is Residential Care?
A residential care home provides a place to live for people who may no longer feel comfortable or able to manage independently at home.
Support typically includes help with everyday activities such as washing, dressing, using the toilet and taking medication. Residents also have accommodation and meals provided, while care staff are available to offer assistance and reassurance throughout the day and night.
Residential care may suit someone who needs regular personal care and practical support but does not require ongoing nursing care for complex medical needs.
At Bernash, for example, residential care includes accommodation, meals and 24-hour personal care for residents who need assistance with daily living activities.
What Is Nursing Care?
A nursing home, sometimes described as a care home with nursing, provides many of the same forms of day-to-day assistance as a residential home. The key difference is that qualified nurses are also on duty to provide nursing care.
This additional clinical support can be suitable for people with more significant or complex healthcare needs. Depending on the individual, that could include care associated with a long-term medical condition, substantial physical disabilities or recovery following a serious illness or operation.
Not everyone who needs 24-hour support needs nursing care. The appropriate setting depends on the person’s particular health, mobility and personal care requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Residential Care and Nursing Care?
Understanding the difference between residential care and nursing care becomes easier when you look at the type of support each setting is designed to provide.
Personal care: Both residential and nursing homes can provide help with washing, dressing, eating and other everyday tasks.
Medical support: Residential homes primarily focus on personal and day-to-day care. Nursing homes add ongoing nursing support for people whose health needs require it.
Staffing: Residential care is delivered by trained care staff. In a nursing home, qualified nurses are also available to provide nursing care.
Typical care needs: Residential care may be appropriate when someone is becoming less able to live safely or confidently on their own. Nursing care is generally considered where more complex health needs require regular input from a nurse.
These are broad distinctions. When researching the different types of care homes, families should ask individual providers exactly which needs they can support, particularly as requirements can change over time.
Which Type of Care Is Right for Your Family Member?
Choosing between residential care vs nursing care should be based on the person’s actual needs rather than the name of the home alone.
Consider how much support they need with mobility, washing, dressing, medication and other daily activities, as well as whether they have health conditions requiring regular nursing input.
Families do not need to make this assessment by themselves. A needs assessment through local authority adult social care can help establish the level of support required, while discussions with GPs, other healthcare professionals and prospective care providers can provide further guidance.
If dementia is part of the person’s care needs, it is also worth asking what dementia-specific experience and support a home provides.
Finding the Right Care for Your Family
Choosing a care home involves more than deciding between residential and nursing support. Location, atmosphere, daily routines and whether the home can meet current and foreseeable care needs all deserve consideration.
Bernash is a residential care home in Bristol, providing 24-hour personal care within a supportive residential setting. Families researching residential care in Bristol can explore our residential care service in more detail or arrange a visit to discuss individual requirements with the team. We also provide dedicated support for people living with dementia.