What is a care home, residential, nursing or respite? 

There is a lot of different language used around the care sector, and if you’re coming to it for the first time, it can be confusing. Some of the definitions mean the same thing and that can make it harder to compare provision. So we have put together a handy glossary so you can tell the difference between a care home, residential home, nursing home and respite care.

Home care:  This is where care is provided in your home, by care workers who are either provided by your local authority or by a private agency. You will normally have to pay for this service, unless you qualify for adult social support. Home care varies from a few visits a week to help with cleaning or cooking, to several visits a day to help with personal care and support.

Respite care: This is a specific service, provided in your home or by a care home or nursing home. Respite care is often used to give caregivers a break, and can be anything from a few hours to several weeks’ stay. It can also be used as a way of managing the transition from a hospital setting back to the home.

Residential home:  A residential home is often somewhere older people go when they can’t or don’t want to look after themselves in their own home. Residential homes offer rooms for independent living, with community events and social timetables. Often, those living in residential homes need some level of care or help, so they can manage physical conditions.

Dementia home: People with dementia need specialist levels of care. They are often lacking the capacity to make decisions, can wander away from the care setting and may need help with mobility and eating and drinking. There are specialist dementia care homes, and many residential homes have a dedicated dementia unit.

Nursing home: In a nursing home, there is a greater level of professional healthcare available to residents. Depending on the size and type of the home, there is usually at least one registered nurse on site. Some homes deal with specific medical conditions, such as strokes or cancer, and families want to be sure that they are getting the regular and expert healthcare they need.

In general, the term ‘care home’ often refers to all of these types of care, except home-based care. If you are starting to think about investigating residential care of any type, the best thing to do is write down the type of care and support you – or your loved one – will need. This will help to narrow down the type of home you are looking for and then you can start to search for places that meet your needs.