What are the Different Types of Care Offered in a Care Home?

The care services available to older people will differ from care home to care home but the one thing that will remain the same is that the services will be provided 24 hours a day. Some care homes will only exclusively offer residential care, while others offer a range of care services from dementia care to nursing care. So, what are the different types of care offered in a care home?

Different types of care services:

• Residential Care
• Nursing Care
• Dementia Care
• Palliative Care (End of life care)

What is Residential Care?

Also referred to as “group living” or "assisted living”, residential care refers to the overall care and support offered to elderly people who require a little support with daily tasks but can otherwise live independently. Residential care provides assistance with daily life tasks such as personal care, mobility support, and so on. This type of care enables individuals to continue doing the things they enjoy while living as independently as possible in other areas of their lives.

What do Residential Care Homes offer?

• A healthy and active lifestyle in a group environment with like-minded individuals
• Independent living, with personalized support where required
• Autonomous Life - with the freedom to choose how they spend their days, selecting their own entertainment, social activities, food, bedtime, and so on
• 24-hour emotional and practical support from professional staff

• Daily meals provided, housekeeping and laundry services

What is Nursing Care?

Nursing care encompasses all the benefits that residential care holds, as well as providing medical care for complex care needs. This type of care is for those who require assistance with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions. Nursing homes or care homes with nursing will have District Nurses and Nurse Practitioners on-site who have the skills and qualifications to administer medication, coordinate a resident's plan of care, cooperate with medical professionals and provide personalised nursing care.

What do Nursing Care Homes offer?

• A higher level of care, including medical support
• Designed to be suited to people living with disabilities, immobility and long-term medical conditions
• Care by Registered Nurses
• Support by GP’s, pharmacists and specialist medical teams to ensure the highest standards of care
• Niche Nursing equipment such as specialist beds, hoists, and call systems

What is Dementia Care?

Dementia is a disease that affects several mental functions, including speech and memory which leads to cognitive impairment and issues with mobility. With the correct care and support, people with dementia can continue to live their lives to the fullest, while staff helps them maintain their sense of self and independence for as long as possible.

Care Homes with Dementia Care

A care home that offers a dementia care service will offer a residential care setting with similar facilities. In addition, it will be staffed with a specialist dementia care team who are fully trained in dementia care to support vulnerable adults who display challenging behaviours. Care homes that offer dementia care will have been designed to be considerate of the residents living there, ensuring the surroundings make them feel safe and comfortable. Using large visible signage, orienting items such as large clocks, and use of contrasting colours are a few examples of what you can expect to find in this environment:

What do Care Homes with Dementia Care offer?

• A safe and secure home environment
• A home-away-from-home /  familiar surroundings to retain memories
• Constant companionship from both carers and loved ones
• Maintaining dignity, routine and independence
• Dementia-friendly, meaningful activities and day trips into the local community
• Dementia-friendly decor and furnishings 
• Care from skilled specialists and staff who regularly undertake training and expand knowledge

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a short-term care option that allows primary caregivers to take regular and unscheduled breaks. Whether it’s to help a loved one with additional nursing requirements after a stay in the hospital to help them get back on their feet, or to recharge, get some medical treatment for yourself, or just some time out, respite care allows you to take the time you need, knowing that your loved-one is in safe, caring hands.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care, also known as end of life care, is a care service provided to older people nearing the end of their lives due to a life threatening illness or life limiting conditions. The primary aim is to provide pain relief, ease symptoms and ensure an individual is as comfortable as possible during their final moments. Residents and their loved ones are supported during this time by compassionate care staff. Palliative care ensures that an individual is in the best environment to provide unwavering care that respects privacy and dignity.

What is a Dual Registered Care Home?

Dual Registered Care Homes offer multiple care services in one facility. A Dual Registered Care Home encompasses a number of care options to be able to cover a range of needs. These type of care homes are able to always support residents, should their needs change, and adapt care plans accordingly; those who initially require help with personal care but later needs Nursing or Dementia Care won’t need to change from a residential care home to a nursing home.

Care at Struan Lodge Care Home

Struan Lodge Care Home in Edinburgh can be categorised as a Dual Registered Care Home and proudly offers comprehensive Residential Care, Nursing Care, Dementia Care Palliative Care and Respite Care. Here, residents will receive a person-centered care plan, which is regularly monitored and reviewed. All care offered to our residents is tailored to their individual needs and adapts as a resident's care needs change.

What are the care services available at Struan Lodge Care Home?

• Residential
• Nursing
• Dementia
• Respite
• End-of-Life Care
• Access to a GP via weekly visits 
• Chiropodist
• Physiotherapy Sessions
• Access to an Optician
• Dentist Appointments

Who is Struan Lodge Care Home home suitable for?

Our multi-disciplined approach to care means our home is suitable for a wide variety of individuals, covering a spectrum of care needs, including:

• Alzheimer's 
• Cancer Care 
• Hearing Impairment 
• Huntington's Disease 
• Motor Neurone Disease 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Parkinson's Disease 
• Stroke 
• Visual Impairment
• Mental Health Condition 
• Old Age 
• Sensory Impairment

How is Struan Lodge Care Home able to offer so many care options?

Our wonderful team is made up of highly-skilled and experienced individuals who provide the highest level of care, every day. All staff at Struan Lodge undertake mandatory training required to work in the care industry and continue delivering exceptional care. We are proud to be regularly assessed by the Care Inspectorate.

Whether you are looking for support following a hospital stay or are looking for a safe, home-away-from-home for a loved one living with Dementia to move in to, Struan Lodge Care Home is equipped with all means necessary to help; from extensive facilities to a fully trained team. Our home is more than just a retirement home, it’s a place where residents of all types can live safely, secure in the knowledge that no matter what comes their way, they are in capable hands. 

Our all-inclusive care home in Edinburgh offers individuals many inclusive amenities including a dining room, quiet areas, communal areas, garden and hair salon for residents to experience a pleasant lifestyle with unlimited support.

We would love to speak to you about what Struan Lodge Care Home can do for you and your family. You can get in touch with our friendly team by sending an email to manager@struanlodgecare.com or calling us on 0131 337 7477.