Although often used interchangeably, care homes and nursing homes are actually different types of home. We’ve put together a short guide below which will help you differentiate the two and ensure you’re looking for a home that suits your needs.
What is a Care Home?
Residential care homes are the most common type of care home, and you’ll find a large proportion of Aria Care communities offer residential care.
At a residential care home, trained carers provide 24-hour personal care for elderly residents, including those who are unable to live independently.
Such care includes support with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating and mobility. Some residents have no additional care needs, while others may have health conditions associated with ageing, although this doesn’t necessarily mean they need regular medical treatment. If that is the case, then an Aria Care care home may be a suitable residence for them.
What is a Nursing Home?
In nursing homes, Registered Nurses (RNs) provide around-the-clock care and support to the residents with the assistance of carers.
RN’s have the training and qualifications to administer medical care, including wound care, IV medication, and other medical treatments.
Some nursing homes specialize in particular health conditions. For example, many Aria Care communities offer nursing dementia care, and have facilities designed to meet the needs of residents living with advanced stages of dementia.
What is the Difference Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home?
There are two main differences between care and nursing homes:
Level of care. Residential care homes focus on personal care for the resident, ensuring they can continue to live as independently as possible. Nursing homes will also do this but are equipped to provide more complex medical care to residents and cater to those with additional needs.
Cost. Nursing care typically costs more than residential care due to the additional staff, training and equipment required to maintain the safety of residents while also providing them with a good quality of life.
Residential care homes and nursing homes also share some similarities. All Aria Care communities have Activities and Wellbeing Coordinators who ensure the homes are lively and stimulating environments with social activities, while our skilled catering teams create tasty and nutritious meals and snacks for residents, taking their tastes and requirements into consideration.
Dual-registered Homes
Many Aria Care communities have the facilities to provide both residential care and nursing care to residents, and so are dual-registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The benefit of a dual-registered home is that as the needs of the resident change, the home can update and adapt to meet them. We can work with the resident and relevant medical professionals to update their care plan and it allows for a seamless transition between levels of care without the need to move to a new home.
Before you start to find a care home or nursing home, you may find it useful to read more about the Types of Care on offer at Aria Care.
