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Most older people would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. At home they are independent and in familiar surroundings. However, staying at home may not always be appropriate or practical. There are other options available to older people, including Sheltered Housing, Extra Care Housing, Close Care (or Very Sheltered Housing), Care Homes, Care Homes with Nursing and Dual Registered Homes.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered Housing typically comprises self-contained flats or bungalows within a complex. There is a warden/manager who will keep in regular contact with the residents and will call for help if needed but will not offer day to day assistance. Sheltered Housing is for those who want to remain independent but like to have the security of someone close at hand.

Advantages

• Retain independence
• Gardens and property maintained by someone else
• Regular contact with warden
• Outings/activities sometimes arranged
• Emergency alarm call system fitted in each flat or bungalow
• Communal facilities sometimes available
• Properties usually available for rent or purchase

Disadvantages

• No care provided. This would have to be arranged privately
• Accommodation can sometimes be small
• Meals not usually provided
• May have upheaval of another move if more care is needed in the future
• Service charge usually applicable

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Extra Care Housing

Extra Care Housing is very sheltered housing with a range of additional facilities and support. There is 24 hour care to meet individual care plans with the flexibility to respond to fluctuations in care needs.

Advantages

• Promotes independence
• Part of a Community
• Own front door
• Support/care available 24 hours per day
• Restaurant
• Assisted baths
• Launderette

• Likely to have specific admission criteria
• May not be able to provide a home for life
• New concept so not widely available

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Close Care

Close Care (or Very Sheltered Housing) is similar to sheltered housing in that residents retain their independence. However, close care flats/bungalows are situated within the grounds of a care home so care is available if required.

Advantages

• Retain independence with reassurance of 24 hour care close by if needed
• Can usually use the facilities of the main house e.g communal areas, join in activities and outings
• Meals are sometimes provided either as part of a package or at a small extra charge
• Domestic help can usually be provided
• Close care properties are usually available for rent or purchase
• Possibility of moving into main house if more care is needed

Disadvantages

• Properties can sometimes be small
• Close care is still a fairly new concept, so not widely available
• Value of the property can be affected by the success of the whole complex

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Care Homes (Previously known as Residential Homes)

Good care homes should provide care and security within a comfortable setting. Residents are usually reasonably mobile and can manage most things for themselves. Assistance with personal care is provided. Limited nursing care, if needed, is provided by the District Nurse. Care and community spirit within a care home may vary. In some homes, residents are encouraged to have an active role within the home, to some extent it depends on the type of residents at the home and the attitude of the Matron and her staff.

Each person has their own room, furnished as they wish, often with their own bathroom. It is sometimes possible to have a suite of two or more rooms but this is unusual. Public rooms provide hotel like facilities.

Advantages

• 24 hour assistance available
• Help with personal care if needed
• Activities/outings organized
• Company and companionship
• Safe Environment
• Meals provided
• No worries about maintaining house/garden and paying household bills

Disadvantages

• Some loss of independence
• Rooms sometimes small therefore not able to take many personal belongings / items of furniture
• The home ownership may change or the home may close
• Other residents may not be congenial

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Care Homes with Nursing (Previously known as Nursing Homes)

Care Homes with Nursing provide care for the more infirm elderly. Residents usually require a high level of care and medical attention. The homes are usually bigger than care homes and are often purpose built.

Advantages

• 24 Hour medical assistance available
• Qualified nurses on duty
• Assistance with personal care
• Safe/comfortable environment
• Stimulating activities organized
• Meals provided
• No worries about maintaining house/garden and paying household bills

Disadvantages

• Loss of independence
• Rooms can sometimes be small
• Expensive
• Not suitable for active alert older people who need very little assistance

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Dual Registered Homes

Some homes have dual registration, which means that they are able to provide both residential and nursing care. The main advantage to this is that if an older person does not need nursing care now but may in the future, there will be no need to face the upheaval of a further move.

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

Viewing

Whichever setting is most appropriate to the older person and their individual circumstances, they are advised to view a number of homes and to discuss their requirements with the Matron or Manager. An assessment will be required to ensure that care needs can be met, prior to acceptance into care. The older person should consider their own criteria such as location, accommodation, facilities offered and of course any budgetary constraints.

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission for Social Care Inspection is the single, independent inspectorate for social care in England. It was created by the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003.

The Commission inspects, regulates and reviews all social care services against national minimal standards set by the Government. Its primary function is to promote improvements in social care.

For a free, no obligation, chat with an Independent Care Adviser call 0800 137 669.

If you require further assistance or would like to speak to the Independent Care Adviser this site recommends please call 0800 137 669 or complete the e-mail enquiry form.