Halima was in her cosy one-bedroom flat in Manchester, her heart heavy with concern for her elderly mother back in Nigeria. The woman worried about her mother’s declining health and knew it was time to find proper care for her. She wanted to make the best decision, ensuring her mother felt loved, respected, and cared for. She opened her laptop and typed, “What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?”

Placing our loved ones in the care of others is a difficult call to make. Like Halima, it is important to research before deciding what works best for your senior.

If you are trying to decide whether a care home or nursing home is right for your loved one, this blog will explore their services and what sets them apart. 

What Is a Care Home?

Care homes, also called residential homes, provide personal care and support to older adults who can no longer live independently. They offer round-the-clock help from trained professionals, such as caregivers, to assist with eating, bathing, walking and other everyday tasks. 

Care homes aim to create a comfortable, home-like environment with daily meals, social activities, and outings to keep residents happy and engaged.

Though the residents of residential care homes are usually older adults, they also accommodate adults with disabilities, learning disorders, and mental health issues. They offer a range of care options, including long-term, short-term, emergency, and respite care.

Type of Care Provided At Care Homes:

• Personal care: bathing, skin and nail hygiene, etc.
• Dressing and undressing assistance
• Meal preparation and eating assistance
• Toileting and incontinence support
• Physical and mental exercise activities
• Social activities and entertainment
• Help with getting in and out of bed
• Medication administration

What Is a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes are care homes that also provide nursing care. They cater to those who need ongoing medical attention but don’t need hospital care.

A nursing home is staffed with professional nurses and caregivers who attend to older adults whose needs go beyond low care. Some nursing homes even provide specialised care for seniors with conditions like moderate to severe dementia or for seniors who present challenging behaviours. 

Nursing homes are sometimes similar to hospitals; however, some offer a homely atmosphere with activities and efforts to make residents comfortable.

Type of Care Provided At Nursing Homes:

• Medical Care: Routine check-ups, medication management, and specialised treatments.
• Personal Care: Help with bathing, dressing, and daily activities.
• Custodial Care: Long-term assistance for chronic conditions and disabilities.
• Social Activities: Group and individual recreational activities.
• Dietary Services: Nutritious meal preparation and special diets.
• Mental Health Support: Counselling and memory care.

What Is the Difference Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home?

Care homes focus on assistance with daily living rather than medical care. They help with bathing, dressing, eating, and administration of medication. Care homes are ideal for people who need a helping hand with daily tasks but don’t require constant medical attention. 

Meanwhile, nursing homes offer a higher level of medical care, with registered nurses on-site 24/7.  They cater to residents with complex medical needs or conditions requiring constant medical attention.

Nursing homes also typically cost more than care homes because of the higher staffing needs and medical equipment. 

Care homes may have a more home-like atmosphere, while nursing homes, due to the medical equipment and focus on medical care, may have a more clinical feel.

Benefits of Care Homes

• Greater independence and familiar routines
• Opportunities for social interaction and companionship
• Assistance with daily tasks
• Safe and secure environment
• Less stress for families
• More affordable than nursing homes
• Warm, home-like atmosphere

Benefits of Nursing Homes

• 24/7 skilled medical care
• Rehabilitation services
• Specialised care programs
• Constant health monitoring
• Assistance with daily living
• Safety and security measures
• Social activities and nutritional support

Which One Is Right for Your Loved One?

Choosing between a care home and a nursing home depends on your family member’s needs. Consult their doctor and consider their physical and mental health. For personalised advice, feel free to reach out to us at @Ìtọ́jú. We’re here to help!

@Ìtọ́jú is a luxury senior living care home committed to UK standards of care. Our residents receive regular health check-ups from certified doctors and other health professionals. Health insurance is also included in our residential packages.