Are you or your loved one trying to decide which is the best fit for you at the moment? The major difference between the two is the type of service they provide. A care home popularly called a residential care home provides personal support with daily activities with the help of a dedicated care assistant while a nursing on the other hand steps it up with a team of qualified nurses who offer round-the-clock medical care.
I understand this is often a big decision for many. When you want to get everything just right for you or your loved ones. Understanding the difference between a care home and a nursing home is as important as making a major life decision. In this piece, I will break down everything you need to know about the two options so you can confidently decide which best fits your immediate needs.
What is a Care Home
You often hear care homes referred to as residential care homes – which are essentially the most standard type of care home for a good reason. They are often a safer and more supportive environment for older people who need help with their day-to-day tasks but do not necessarily need intensive medical care and attention. They get personalized assistance with dressing, washing eating and even moving around, thus giving them the chance to socialize and have someone to engage with.
The staff in care homes are often called caregivers. They are trained to provide dedicated and compassionate support to older people. They are not necessarily medical professionals, but they make sure residents are properly cared for, comfortable, and living independently.
What is a Nursing Home
Nursing homes are more advanced when it comes to care, they offer specialized medical care for those who more than just daily assistance. They provide a safer higher level of care assistance, it could be a hospital stay or long-term needs. What makes nursing homes different is the presence of Registered Nurses (RNs) who are available 24/7 to deliver exceptional care. This can include everything from wound care and intravenous medication to more complex medical interventions.
In many cases, they have licensed practical nurses, healthcare aides, and even on-site doctors to make residents receive comprehensive care.
Nursing homes are designed for people with significant health issues, or disabilities, or who are recovering from surgery. Some facilities specialize in specific conditions, like dementia, cancer, or physical disabilities, making them well-equipped to manage chronic illnesses and provide post-surgical care.
5 Differences Between a Care Home and A Nursing Home
| Care Home | Nursing Home |
| Personal Care Focus residents receive support with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and socialising. Ideal for those needing minimal medical attention. | Provides 24/7 medical care, including wound care, IV medications, and chronic illness management. Suitable for those with significant health needs. |
| Care Assistants experienced care assistants offer personalised, discreet support tailored to each resident’s needs. Activities and outings are common. | Skilled nurses deliver specialised medical care around the clock. Care plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on medical needs. |
| Generally more affordable, with costs varying based on the level of personal care required. Funding may include government assistance or insurance. | More expensive due to the specialised medical care provided. Funding options include Funded Nursing Care (FNC) and other financial support. |
| Emphasis on a cosy, community-oriented environment with plenty of social activities. Privacy and comfort are prioritised. | Focus on medical facilities, with a more clinical atmosphere. Social activities are available, but the environment is geared towards healthcare. |
| Ideal for those who need support with daily tasks but do not require intensive medical care. | Best suited for those with significant health issues, disabilities, or post-surgical needs requiring continuous medical supervision. |
I hope this clears your doubts and helps you make more informed decisions. At Brooks Health and Care, we provide personalized caregiving services. We are sure to go through the journey with you, all you have to do is trust us and we are sure to make it one of the best decisions you ever made.