What should you expect from a residential care home?

A residential care home provides an older person with full-time accommodation, and all the support and assistance to live comfortably.

It’s a place that you or your loved one can call home, with your own comfortable, private room, which can often be furnished and decorated to your preferences. Your individual day-to-day needs will be met and supported, such as washing, dressing and mobility, as well as assistance with toileting, getting in and out of bed or administering medication if required.

However, it’s important to recognise the distinction between a residential care home and a nursing home. A residential home will typically not provide nursing care, even though you’ll often find an array of specialist in-house and outreach care services available.

Meals, drinks and snacks will be prepared and served to residents, who’ll also have access to plenty of activities, with many residential care homes having dedicated social clubs and activity spaces. Many also boast delightful gardens, where you can take in fresh air and enjoy the changing seasons.

A residential care home is for people who will benefit from a helping hand with some aspects of daily life, and the peace of mind that comes with having support on hand around the clock.

Different care homes offer varying levels of independence, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, Holmwood House in the centre of Salisbury is ideal for those who still enjoy their independence but also like the reassurance of having carers on hand.

Meanwhile, Kimberley East and West centres cater for those who need a greater level of support, and is equipped with a wider range of flexible care facilities.

Other care homes offer specialised care for those requiring rehabilitation support, or those with mental health challenges, including dementia.

Moving into a residential care home is a major change, and one not to be taken lightly, but it also offers huge advantages for older people and their family and friends.

For a start, it removes the stress and effort of looking after a home, and doing chores such as washing, cooking and cleaning. It also means more time to dedicate to hobbies, activities or socialising.

Care centres provide the chance to live within a community, and benefit from a richer and more fulfilling social life. This can be hugely positive for mental health. It can often give people a fresh new attitude to life, with the chance to try new things and make meaningful connections with other residents.

Residential care also helps relieve worries and guilt around managing day-to-day life. This extends to family and friends too, and many residents find that they can spend more meaningful time with their loved ones when their essential needs are already taken care of.