What is the Difference Between Residential Care and Nursing Care?

Choosing the right care option for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the differences between residential care and nursing care. While both provide a safe and supportive environment for care home residents, they cater to different needs, particularly in terms of medical support and staffing.

Many families find themselves wondering whether a care home or nursing home is the best choice, especially if a loved one has increasing nursing needs or requires medical care. In this article, we will explore what each type of care provides, who it is suitable for, and how to decide which option is best.

What is Residential Care?

Residential care is designed for people who need assistance with daily tasks, such as washing, dressing and preparing meals but do not require frequent medical treatment. This type of care focuses on supporting individuals with personal care and maintaining their social and physical activity.

A residential care home provides a comfortable and homely setting where residents can enjoy a sense of community. Care assistants support residents with personal hygiene, mobility, and low-level medication management, but there typically aren't qualified nurses on-site at all times. Instead, residents have access to visiting health professionals, such as a district nurse, who can assist with minor medical needs.

People who move into residential care settings are often older adults who find it difficult to manage at home independently. Some may have physical disabilities or very low-level dementia, while others may simply benefit from the social environment a residential care home offers.

Meals, housekeeping, and laundry services are typically included in the weekly fee, and residents are always encouraged to take part in social activities. Many residential care homes organise trips and host events to help residents stay active and engaged.

What is Nursing Care?

Nursing care is for individuals with more complex health needs that require 24 hours a day supervision from registered nurses. A nursing home provides all the same support as a residential home but with the addition of qualified nurses on-site to deliver specialist medical care.

People who need nursing care often have complex medical conditions, severe physical disabilities or require frequent medical treatment. Some are bed-bound and need assistance with all aspects of daily tasks, while others may be living with progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or advanced dementia.

A nursing home ensures residents receive the personal and medical care they need in a safe and comfortable environment. Nurses can provide wound care, manage long-term health conditions, and assist with administering medication around the clock. Many nursing homes also offer palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

Because of the higher level of care provided, nursing home costs tend to be higher than those of a residential home. However, some residents may qualify for funded nursing care through their local authority or local council.

What is the Difference Between Nursing and Residential Care?

The main difference between residential care and nursing care is the level of medical care provided. While both types of care homes offer support with daily tasks, only a nursing home has qualified nurses on site 24 hours a day to care for individuals with nursing needs.

Residential care is ideal for those who need help with everyday living but can still maintain their independence. They receive assistance with personal care, meals, and social and physical activity, but do not need complex medical care.

In contrast, nursing care is suitable for those with complex conditions that require medical care and frequent medical treatment. Residents may need help managing long-term health conditions, require pain management, or need mobility support due to severe physical disabilities.

What Is the Difference Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home?

Many people refer to both residential homes and nursing homes as care homes, but they are not the same. A care home is a broad term that includes both residential care settings and nursing homes.

A care home is typically used to provide residential care, whereas a nursing home offers nursing care, specialist dementia care or palliative care. The difference in care services and staffing is the same as above, with the higher levels of support being offered in a nursing home.

Choosing between a home and a nursing facility depends on the level of care required. If a person simply needs help with everyday living, a residential home may be the best option. If they require frequent medical treatment, a nursing home will provide the necessary support.

Do Care Homes Provide Both in the Same Setting?

Some care homes provide both residential care and nursing care within the same setting. These are known as dual-registered homes or all-inclusive care homes, meaning they can accommodate residents with different levels of need.

This can be a good option for those who want to stay in the same environment long term or have developing needs. A resident may initially move into the home for residential care, but if their medical conditions change, they can transition to nursing care without having to move elsewhere.

A dual-registered home or all-inclusive home provides flexibility for residents and peace of mind for families, as it ensures that changing care and nursing needs can be met in a familiar and comfortable environment. Not all care homes offer this, so it is important to check with the home manager before making a decision.

Choosing the Right Type of Care

Deciding between residential care and nursing care will depend on an individual’s medical and personal needs. For those unsure which option is best, a needs assessment through the local authority or care home team can help determine the right level of care. Whether someone requires assistance with personal care in a residential home or specialist medical care in a nursing home, there are options available to ensure they receive the right support.

The Check House Care Home in Seaton

The Check Care Home is a private care home situated in Seaton, Devon and offers exceptional residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care for up to 58 residents. We have both care assistants and qualified nurses on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure our residents can enjoy a rich and meaningful lifestyle. Residents and their loved ones can have peace of mind that they always have a home with us here at Check House, as we can support them even as their needs develop.

Whilst receiving first-class care and support, residents also have unlimited access to our in-house facilities such as our private terrace, hair salon, varied activities programme, reading room and bar area. Our team take the time to get to know residents on a personal level, tailoring activities and services to their individual preferences.

We understand that transitioning into a care home is a difficult decision and requires a lot of support for both residents and their loved ones. We are here every step of the way whilst residents start their new chapter, whether it is answering any questions you have, helping with the move or simply offering companionship.

Get in touch or book a tour today to find out more about daily life here at our care home in Seaton. We would love to meet you and discuss the ways we can support you or your loved one.