Care Home and Nursing Home FAQs

What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?

Some people use the terms care home and nursing home interchangeably, but they are different. A care home is an establishment that provides personal assistance for residents who need help with their activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, toileting or using the bathroom.

A nursing home is a type of residential facility that provides more intensive medical care beyond the capability of a general practitioner, a visiting nurse service or a district nurse.

How are care homes regulated?

Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All providers must meet at least one ‘essential standard’ of quality and safety for their residents. This requirement is not qualified with the word ‘only’: all providers have to ensure that they meet this minimum standard. Every provider has to show that they are meeting the standards and if CQC has concerns about a provider, they can inspect it

What is the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. Its job is to make sure that people using services in England get safe, effective, compassionate high quality care and encourage services to improve continuously. The Commission monitors care services, takes action to prevent poor care and reports on the safety of those services.

The Care Quality Commission checks that providers are meeting essential standards in areas such as care and welfare, and the environment.

What is the purpose of an environmental assessment?

The purpose of a Care Home or Nursing Home Environmental Assessment (CHA) is to identify any hazards present in the building which could affect the health and safety of the residents. The assessment is carried out by a care or health and safety practitioner, who also assesses how these hazards are managed.

What makes a good care home?

A good care home promotes the rights and interests of its residents, while meeting all their health and social care needs. A ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ CQC grade should be an aim for every Care Home

What are the essentials to look out for in a nursing/care homes?

In a Nursing / Residential home you want to look out for:

– A Care Home or Nursing Home Environmental Assessment (CHA) has been carried out according to best practice. This assessment should include the identification of hazards and an assessment of how these are controlled

– A thorough understanding of what type of quality care is provided by the home, including its culture and values, opportunities for residents to exercise choice and preferences, communication processes in place with residents and families

– That they are meeting the Care Quality Commission (CQC) essential standards in areas such as care and welfare, and environment

– A thorough understanding of the policies that govern good practice throughout the home, for example, their safeguarding policy. This will include an assessment of the risk to residents

– There are systems in place so that any concerns can be reported quickly and easily

– Staff are recruited according to the specific needs of the home’s residents, for example, staff should have specific training or experience if working with people who have physical disabilities, mental health issues or learning disabilities

– Staff are given appropriate training to enable them to carry out their role effectively. Providers should also ensure that managers are appropriately trained and supervised

– There is a structured system of care that identifies what type of care is provided, the standards it provides and how often care will take place

– Residents are encouraged to participate in their own care, including decisions about where they live. They should be consulted about all aspects of their lives at the home

– Care plans which detail to what extent residents can look after themselves. These should be regularly reviewed accordingly.

What are the features of a care home?

Care homes offer residential care for older people, those with learning disabilities, and those with mental health problems. They may also be known as nursing homes or residential care homes

What is the purpose of a care home?

Caring for the elderly people and vulnerable adults is very essential, therefore care homes help in providing such services. The quality of life of these individuals may get affected due to health problems such as dementia, so these homes provide a place where they live in comfort and spend their last days peacefully.

What are the factors that need to be considered while selecting a care home?

There needs to be certain standards and regulations that should be met by any care home. Here are some of the vital factors you need to consider before choosing a home for your loved ones.

What is the average age to enter a nursing home?

There is no legal age to enter a nursing home, but it is generally accepted that the average age of residents in long stay care homes is around 80+. What are the types of care homes?

A care home could be residential or nursing. Residential means only accommodation while nursing only provides the medical aspect. A combination of both offers all aspects of care.

What should be considered before choosing a care home?

Certain factors need to be considered while selecting any care home for your loved ones. Some of them are listed below: – Look out for Special Care homes that can accommodate people with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease etc. There needs to be facilities such

What is the average length of stay in a care home?

The average length of stay in a care home would depend on the individual, however, there is no set maximum time. This will vary across the country depending on available places and local needs.