It’s not just prospective residents who share common fears when moving into a nursing home.
Often, we hear from families who worry about the type and level of care their loved ones will receive in a nursing or care home setting. Is it right for them? Will they be looked after properly? What if they need extra attention?
To help you understand what your spouse, relative, or friend can expect from a nursing home in general (and Fulford, specifically), here we explain the difference between residential and nursing care.
Related: Care home vs nursing home: What’s the difference?
What is the difference between residential and nursing care?
The difference between nursing and residential care is actually quite simple:
- Residential care is 24-hour supervised care. Trained staff provide residents with additional support related to their daily activities, such as washing, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, feeding, laundry, and mobility (walking or moving to and from beds or chairs, for example). As part of residential care, residents are encouraged to participate in social activities, including arts & crafts, flower arranging, swimming, exercise classes, and group outings.
- Nursing care is also 24-hour supervised care, but this includes help and assistance from registered nurses. In addition to the residential care services outlined above, residents who receive nursing care are monitored closely by on-call nurses who provide and administer medication and treatment.
In short, residential care helps residents maintain a degree of independence. It’s similar to at-home care; only it’s around the clock in a safe environment. Nursing care, meanwhile, means residents who also require specialist medical care are looked after by qualified nursing staff.
How is care administered at Fulford?
Here at Fulford, we offer residential and nursing care, all under the same roof and tailored to each resident.
To determine what sort of care is needed (residential or nursing), we speak to the resident’s GP, family, and local authority. Each resident’s situation is considered on a case-by-case basis.
When they join Fulford, every resident is registered with the same medical practice and set up with the pharmacy. The GP comes every Wednesday, while opticians, chiropodists, and other medical services can also be arranged.
Ultimately, we’re able to offer better wrap-around care than many residents would have at home.
Read More: 5 ways to make the move from home to nursing home a smooth transition
Why does choosing a home with both nursing and residential care make sense?
Many residents join us needing only residential care, to begin with.
However, some develop medical conditions over time, which often require regular medical treatment and intervention.
The clear advantage of choosing a home that offers both types of care is that we can quickly upgrade and alter our services without transferring residents to a different nursing home. This avoids any of the stress or upheaval associated with moving.
Choosing a nursing home: Trust is key
When it comes to choosing a nursing home, trust is vital above all else.
Whether it’s Fulford or another home, we strongly recommend that you and your loved one meet the caregivers face to face before committing. Do you believe in them and their values? Do you and your loved one feel comfortable with the level and quality of care being suggested?
The choice between residential and nursing care will come down to your loved one’s circumstances. That’s why we work hard to ensure each resident receives their own plan, covering their personal and medical care requirements down to the very last detail.
If you’d like to come and meet the staff in a COVID-safe environment, please contact us on 01904 654 269. We’re ready to listen and happy to help.