Step 1 Initial research

Care homes provide different types of care for different care needs.  Some homes may specialise in a certain area while others may offer a range of care services.  The following information will help you understand what type of care is available.  Once you have an idea of the type of care your require you can use the information sources listed below to make a shortlist of care homes in your area that will meet your needs.

Different Types of Care Homes

All Care Homes are must be registered and can only provide the type of care that they are registered for.  In England the organisation responsible for registering and inspecting care homes is the Commission for Social Care Inspection

Care Homes can broadly be divided into two categories – Care Homes and Care Homes with Nursing.

Care Homes
Care Homes (also referred to as Residential Homes) provide residential or personal care for their residents. People can live in them for either a short or long term. These homes provide:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Laundry
• Personal Care including help with washing, dressing, eating, mobility etc

Care Homes with Nursing
Care Homes with Nursing (also referred to as Nursing Homes) also provide residential or personal care for their residents.  In addition they also employ Registered Nurses who can provide care for more complex health needs. People can live in these homes for either a short or long term. These homes provide:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Laundry
• Nursing Care as well as Personal Care including help with washing, dressing, eating, mobility etc

Different Types of Care

In addition to either providing Nursing or Personal care, Care Homes can also be registered to provide other more specialist types of care:

Dementia Care Services
Dementia-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, are very common in older people. Care is usually available within a residential or nursing setting depending on the level of care required.

Respite Care and Short Breaks
Short term, or respite care can be provided in most care homes where residents stay for perhaps a week or two. Many care homes will only offer it if there is a room vacant, whilst others will have rooms set aside which can be booked well in advance. Respite Care enables carers to have a break or can cover periods of time when a carer is unavailable.

Convalescent Care / Post op Care
This is short term care for people recovering from illness or an operation. Care Homes with Nursing are able to offer both convalescent and post-operative care, whilst residential homes usually just provide convalescent care.

Independent / Assisted Living / Extra Care
Independent Living, often known as 'Assisted living' or ‘Extra Care’ is where you can live independently in an apartment or other dwelling.  Care is usually provided by a dedicated Home care service.

Home care
Home care or ‘Domiciliary Care’ allows residents to live in their own home.  Care and services are provided through a Domiciliary Care Agency to residents living in their own homes.

Day Care For Non-Residents
Some care homes provide day care for residents living in the surrounding areas.

Palliative Care
Palliative care aims to provide compassionate care aimed at improving the quality of life for those with a chronic or terminal illness which is no longer responding to treatment. Palliative care particularly focuses on the active control of pain and symptoms to improve quality of life.

Which type of home is best for me?
The type of home that will best suit you will depend on the type of care that you need.  It is therefore important to understand your particular care needs in order to choose the right type of home.

If you need assistance your GP will be able to help you understand the level of care you need. Your local Social Services department can also assess your needs and suggest the level of care you require.

How do I find the right care home?

In order to put together a shortlist of suitable homes in your area, it may be useful to speak to the following groups of people:

• The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has a comprehensive list of care homes in your area.  You can search their database from their website www.csci.gov.uk which also provides information on the type of care that each home is registered for, inspection reports and star ratings.

• Friends and relatives, for their recommendations.
• Your local Social Services department.
• Your GP
• Local Age Concern office
• The Elderly Accommodation Counsel

Next Page : Step 2 : Paying for Care