The difference between a residential care home and a nursing home

If you or your loved one require extra support, you may be considering which options are available. Many people at this stage in life wonder what the difference is between a residential care home and a nursing home. It’s important to understand how they differ so that you can make an informed choice that best suits your or your loved one’s needs. 

In this blog post, we explore the differences between a nursing home and residential care in Chadwell Heath, Romford. Read on.

What’s the difference?

When researching the types of care available, you will likely come across different types of care homes that provide different levels of care. While you can expect both nursing and residential care homes to provide care and support 24 hours a day, nursing homes provide a higher level of care. This main difference is that nursing homes always have a qualified nurse on-site to provide medical care as needed, while residential homes have professional staff who provide support with personal care and daily activities. 

What to expect from a nursing home

Nursing homes are a great choice for those who require regular treatment from a medical professional due to various health conditions or who require significant assistance with daily life, either on a temporary or long-term basis. In addition to a qualified nurse being on-site, nursing homes are also supported by certified care assistants who are trained to identify symptoms and look after those with complex care needs. Some nursing homes are even specialised to support specific health conditions, such as dementia, severe physical disabilities, cancer or mental illness. Because of the higher level of specialised care nursing homes provide, they are more expensive than residential care homes. 

What do residential care homes provide?

Residential care homes are available on a short or long-term basis. Unlike nursing homes, they are not intended for people who need nursing care. Rather, they provide 24-hour care and support to those who require extra assistance with daily tasks or who may require an extra hand with personal care such as washing and dressing. They typically also include daily social and physical activities or organised trips out. 

Although staff in residential care homes are trained to provide basic clinical support, such as administering medication, they may not be trained to deliver the same level of medical care you’d find in nursing homes. Because they provide a lower level of care, you can generally expect the cost of residential care homes to be lower than nursing homes. 

In short, residential care homes are an excellent choice for ageing adults who may struggle with mobility or who are unable to live safely and independently in their own homes.

Which option is best for you or your loved one?

The decision depends on your specific care needs. If you are unable to determine the type of care you or your loved one needs, it’s recommended to speak to your GP or ask the council for a Needs Assessment. This will help identify your care needs and determine the suitable choice for you. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions or require more information about residential care in Romford or the surrounding area, please do not hesitate to get in touch or call us on 0800 999 8499. We look forward to learning more about your loved one’s needs and answering any questions you may have.