Care homes

What is a care home?

A care home is a residential facility that provides varying levels of care and support for adults who require assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) or managing health conditions. Unlike hospitals, care homes offer a more long-term, residential setting.

Types of care homes

There are different types of care homes, each catering to specific needs:

Residential care homes: These homes provide support with everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, and medication reminders, ensuring residents can live comfortably and safely.
Nursing homes: Nursing homes offer a higher level of care, including assistance with ADLs, medication management, and 24/7 medical support from qualified healthcare professionals. They are suitable for individuals with complex medical needs.
Dementia care homes: These specialised care homes cater to individuals living with dementia. They provide a secure and stimulating environment, with staff trained to manage the specific needs of those with dementia.

Care homes are suitable for individuals who:

Need support with daily living: If you or your loved one requires assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or preparing meals, a care home can ensure those needs are met, promoting independence and dignity.
Need support to manage health conditions: For individuals with chronic health conditions requiring ongoing monitoring or assistance with medication management, a care home can provide the necessary medical support in a residential setting.
Need support with dementia: Dementia care homes offer a safe and supportive environment with specialised care plans and activities tailored to meet the cognitive and social needs of those living with dementia.
Need support with social isolation: For older adults feeling isolated at home, a care home can provide opportunities for companionship and social interaction with others.

Find the right care home in Plymouth

Choosing the right care home requires careful thought, and you will need to consider:

Level of care needed: Assess the level of care required. Does it involve assistance with daily living, medical support, or specialised dementia care?
Location: Consider how close the care home is to family and friends who may want to visit regularly.
Amenities and activities: Look for a care home offering a comfortable environment with amenities like gardens, communal spaces, and activities that promote well-being and cater to individual interests.
Residents' needs: Does the care home cater to a specific clientele or have a good mix of residents with varying needs?
Staffing levels and qualifications: Look for a care home with a good staff-to-resident ratio and qualified carers.
Inspections and reviews: Check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports and read online reviews to gain insights into the quality of care provided.
Cost: Care home fees can vary significantly. Understand the costs involved and explore funding options.

View an A to Z Directory of care homes

Alternatively, please use the CQC website to search for a care home based on your specific requirements.

Choosing a care home is a personal decision. Consider all the information above, discuss your needs and preferences with loved ones, and schedule visits to the shortlisted care homes.

Funding your stay in a care home

There are several ways to fund a stay in a care home:

Self-funding: You or your loved one can pay for the care privately.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding (CHC): If you have complex and ongoing healthcare needs,
Local authority support: Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for some financial assistance from your local authority towards your care home fees. Means tests are applied to determine eligibility for local authority support.

More information

Care Homes (Age UK)

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.

Want to create a page on the Plymouth Online Directory? Register for free and add a page - it only takes a few minutes.