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What are the Benefits of Residential Care Homes?
When the time comes for your loved one to receive additional support, it is vital that you consider the advantages of residential care. Understanding the benefits of residential care homes helps you to see that you have made the right decision for your loved one. Moving a loved one to a care home can provide many advantages for older people who need extra support. Below are some of the key benefits that mean residential care is likely the best thing for an elderly relative.
It Provides a Safe and Caring Living Environment
Residential care homes have an experienced and dedicated team of trained staff on hand around the clock, so no matter what your loved one needs, whatever the time of day it is, they will receive it. Many care home residents have dementia and other cognitive challenges, and care homes are designed to make it easy for them to make their way around and not accidentally find themselves lost or somewhere they are not familiar with.
The living environment in a residential care setting is specifically designed for elderly people who may have mobility issues or other care needs. Professional support is always available, and there will always be someone on hand to provide assistance with daily tasks such as going to the toilet or other personal care requirements.
Nutritious Meals and Home-Cooked Food
When loved ones age, their ability to make well-balanced meals for themselves can become a challenge. Every day, care home residents sit down to three delicious, home-cooked nutritious meals prepared using fresh ingredients by an in-house team of chefs.
For residents with additional needs, such as dysphagia or dietary requirements, accommodations will always be made. This ensures that people over the age of 65 receive the nutrition they need without the stress of meal preparation.
Specialist Care and Medical Support
One of the key advantages of residential care homes is access to specialist care when needed. Whether a care home offers basic residential care or more complex medical care, homes are staffed with healthcare professionals who can provide the type of care each resident requires.
Many residential homes have a qualified nurse on site, and some nursing homes can provide full-time medical care for people who need more intensive support. Residents may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare or funded nursing care depending on their medical needs, and care homes provide the necessary documentation and support for these funding options.
Companionship and Opportunities to Socialise
When living at home, your loved one may be lonely and lack companionship on a day-to-day basis. A residential care home is home to many like-minded individuals who share similar experiences, and your loved one is free to socialise whenever they like, which prevents any feelings of isolation.
The benefits of living in a residential care environment include regular interaction with other residents and trained carers who understand the importance of social connection for elderly people.
Regular Activities and Stimulation
Many care home providers, including ourselves at Ashberry Care Homes, have in-house activities coordinators who plan regular games, trips, exercise classes, clubs, crafts, visits from entertainers and more. This ensures that your loved one can continue to do what they love, what makes them happy and keeps them moving.
Our homes provide a variety of engaging activities, and residents are encouraged to participate in whatever interests them. This helps our residents maintain their independence and quality of life.
Medication Management and Healthcare Support
Your loved one may need to take several different types of medication, at various times throughout the day. Trained care home staff can help your loved one with their medication management and will meticulously track what they take and when they take it, so they never miss a dose.
This professional medication management is one of the many advantages that a care home offers, particularly for people who need complex medication regimens or have memory issues.
Peace of Mind for Families
Having the responsibility of caring for an elderly loved one is a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders. When looking at care options for your loved one, it's important to consider the benefits of a care home. When a loved one moves into a care home, that weight can be lifted and you will have the peace of mind that they are being cared for by trained carers and a dedicated team of professionals that is always there for them.
The person you care about will receive the support they need around the clock, giving you confidence that they are safe and well cared for.
Maximum Comfort and Relaxation
Care home residents are welcome to live the life they want to lead. Whether they choose to spend time reading by a fire or enjoy some gardening, they are welcome to do so. Similarly, for some familiarity, they may wish to take part in a spot of cleaning or washing some dishes. Life in a care home is about encouraging residents to do whatever makes them happy and content and retain as much of their independence as possible.
Home from Home – Bringing Home Comforts with You
To help bring a feeling of familiarity with them when they move to a care home, your loved one is welcome to bring items of furniture and other personal belongings with them. This helps your loved one settle into their new surroundings and feel comfortable and relaxed.
The ideal care home will feel like a home from home, where residents receive personalised care and support in a comfortable environment with familiar possessions around them.
How Do We Cater to Your Loved One's Individual Care Needs?
Good residential care is about listening to every resident to make sure they each receive the care they need. This may be companionship, helping them with their hobbies or encouraging them to move a little more. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to care, and at Ashberry Care Homes we strive to make care personalised through tailored care plans that address each resident's specific requirements.
We understand that different care approaches work for different people, which is why we offer regular one-on-one support to every resident. Our care plan for each resident considers their medical needs, preferences, and the level of support they require.
Consider When Looking at Care: What Type of Care is Right?
When looking at care options, it's important to understand that care homes provide different types of support. Some homes offer basic residential care, while others provide residential and nursing care for people who need more intensive medical support.
Whether a care home is right for your loved one depends on their individual circumstances. Some people may be eligible for funding support, while others may need to consider the cost of care privately. It's worth exploring what care options are available and what facilities are offered at different care homes across your area.
Find a Care Home That Offers the Right Support
The benefits of care extend beyond just meeting basic needs. A good care home may offer specialist services, and many have facilities available that cater to different interests and abilities. Some care homes across the UK specialise in certain conditions, such as dementia care, while others provide more general residential care.
When you find a care home that feels right, you'll know that your loved one will receive the care provided by experienced professionals who understand the needs of elderly people.
Try It for Yourself with Day Care
To discover the benefits of residential care for yourself, we offer an adult day care service, where your loved one spends the day with us. They will take part in any activities they like, sit down to delicious meals and afternoon tea, and get to know the home and existing residents. Whilst this helps familiarise them with what life is like in residential care, it can also help provide support they need and give you some respite.
This service helps you understand what a care home means for your loved one and allows you to see the many advantages of residential care firsthand.
Enquire Today About Residential Care
If you and your loved one need a break, our residential care team is here to help. We understand that choosing whether a care home is the right option can be challenging, but we're here to provide the information you need to make the best decision.
Our care home offers a range of services, and we can help you understand what type of care would be most suitable for your loved one. Drop us a message today for more information or to book a visit.
