Is residential care the same as assisted living?

Residential care and assisted living are two different senior living options. Residential care is different to assisted living..

Services offered:

• Residential care offers comprehensive support for those who need full-time assistance.
• Assisted living offers support at a lower level for residents who are more independent but require some assistance with cleaning, food preparation, and medical care

What can residential care help me with?

Residential care supports all day-to-day needs, such as personal hygiene, social activities, meal preparation and eating support, and medical care. Residential care is ideal for people who may have trouble with their mobility and struggle living on their own in older age.

Residential care facilities provide:

1. Residential Care (Provides a supportive living environment with assistance for daily activities and social engagement.)
2. Dementia Care (Specialized care focused on individuals with dementia, offering tailored support and activities in a secure setting.)
3. Nursing Care (Delivers medical and medication management and personal care by nursing staff for individuals with complex health needs.)
4. Respite Care (Temporary relief care for primary caregivers, offering professional support for their loved ones.)

What can assisted living help me with?

Like residential care, assisted living can support someone who needs help taking care of themselves to live a more active and fuller lifestyle. However, this person usually doesn't need as much support. They may have a carer visit them at home or live in an assisted living community to use shared spaces and have a carer nearby.

How can I decide which is best for me?

In both cases, moving from unassisted living to being a recipient of care can be confusing and overwhelming at first. Accepting you need extra help to live a fuller and healthier life is the first step, and many who move into assisted living facilities or residential care wish they had done it sooner.

To decide which is best for you, consider your care needs.

• If you need skilled nursing care and more personal care support services you may benefit from a residential care facility.
• If you know you're more independent and need less help in your daily living, an assisted living facility could be better for you, where you can still socialise, make new friends, and get support from the board and care.

What services are offered at assisted living homes and residential care facilities?

Senior care facilities of any type will provide basic services like laundry services, care support, transportation services, food and drink preparation, and social activities.

At both residential care homes and assisted living communities, you or your loved one are encouraged to spend time with family members, and family are welcome to visit.

Assisted living communities

An important aspect of assisted living communities is the ability to socialise and make new friends. You may choose to have dinner in a central dining room. Assisted living communities offer independent living with important support when you need it.

• You may move into an assisted living residence or you may receive assistance from a carer visiting your home.
• Your support can be tailored to your needs, varying from minimal help like cleaning or cooking, to more enhanced help with day-to-day life.

Residential care facilities

Residential care facilities also provide ways to keep residents socially active. In residential care, you'll have a private room and depending on your needs, around-the-clock care or comprehensive support.

• Residential care homes, also known as residential homes, offer a supportive environment for individuals who need assistance with daily living while still maintaining an active lifestyle. These care homes provide a range of services and amenities tailored to meet the diverse needs of their residents. For example, a typical residential care home might offer on-site medical help, personal care services, and various recreational activities.
• The difference between a residential care home and other similar services lies in the personalized attention and community-focused atmosphere that fosters social interaction and engagement. Amenities offered often include communal dining areas, fitness facilities, and landscaped gardens, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. By choosing a residential care home, families can ensure their loved ones receive comprehensive care while enjoying a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.

How many people live at a care home?

The amount of people that live at a care home will depend on the size of the home. Fewer residents may not mean better care. Rather than focus on the size of the home, we recommend looking for the right amount of staff and the right home-like environment that will suit your needs. Depending on the level of care, a person may need more than one carer to look after them.

Talk to the team at a care home you're considering to see if your care needs can be met.

What is the environment at a care home like?

Homes are different in their own way. Homes may have happy hours, movie nights, field trips, and other services. Other homes may be at a slower speed. Do your research and look around to find the right homey environment that is right for you.

When is it the right time to move into sheltered housing or senior living communities?

If you have trouble with your daily tasks or have developed medical needs, assisted living or a care home may be right for you. As we get older, we may find we need support from skilled nursing facilities or just help with general upkeep that we can no longer manage on your own. The main difference between assisted living and a care home is the level of support offered, so take a look at your needs to work out which one may be right for you.

Residential care at Almond Valley

If you would like to find out more about residential care at Almond Valley, please get in touch to find out more or book a free tour with our helpful team. Almond Valley offers luxury care, complete with fine dining, high levels of support, and a rich and full activity schedule. Get in touch today.