What Is A Nursing Home and What Do They Provide?
Considering care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially during an already emotional time. With so much industry jargon to navigate, you may find yourself asking, “What exactly is a nursing home?”
In this blog, we’ll explain what a nursing home is, who may benefit from nursing care and the range of support and services they provide.
Definition of a Nursing Home
The terms “care home” (or “residential care home”) and “nursing home” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually mean slightly different things, and this distinction is important. Both are safe and secure settings where older people can live and receive 24-hour care. The difference is that a nursing home must have trained nurses on duty round-the-clock, in addition to general support staff.
This means that residents always have access to medical care and skilled nursing support, making it the perfect option for those with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Some nursing homes also offer specialist care for conditions such as dementia, which require specific training and expertise. Alongside the personal care that a residential care home provides, nursing home residents also benefit from constant clinical monitoring and medical treatment where necessary.
Overall, nursing homes are designed for anyone who cannot be sufficiently cared for at home due to the medical attention they require, but do not need to go to hospital.
Dual Registered Care Homes
A dual-registered care is a setting that offers multiple types of care under one roof, such as residential care, nursing care and dementia care. This may be in separate care communities or mixed-living, where everyone socialises together. The main benefits of this type of care home is the continuum of care they offer, meaning that if a resident’s care needs increase, they can stay in the home they love and avoid a stressful move.
What Do Nurses Do in Nursing Homes?
Create Personalised Care Plans
Before someone moves into a nursing home, a qualified nurse will sit down with them and their loved ones to create a personalised care plan.
This care plan is a comprehensive document that details a person’s exact medical needs, as well as their treatment preferences, existing routines and how they would like to be cared for. It ensures that every person involved with the residents' care is on the same page, whether it be other nurses in the home or external healthcare providers such as hospitals and specialists. This structured communication should mean that carers do not overstep boundaries and will know exactly how to make the resident as comfortable and happy as possible.
Monitor Changes and Provide Treatment
While care assistants can support with personal care and basic medication administration, the benefit of a nursing home comes from the expertise of the trained nurses. They can spot changes in residents’ health and suggest appropriate treatment or management options. The overall aim of a nursing home is to nurture residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing, helping them feel comfortable, happy and at-home.
Emotional Support
A vital role for all care home staff is supporting the mental health of residents, as well as their loved ones. This can be as simple as a short conversation with a resident about how they are feeling, but can make a huge difference to their wellbeing. Forming strong and trusting bonds with residents and families is what helps them feel reassured and safe in their home. Seeing a familiar, friendly face can bring comfort and joy even during difficult times.
Person-Centred Support
Overall, the best nursing home staff work hard to promote independence through dignified, respectful and non-interfering care. All residents are encouraged to continue doing what makes them happy, and live a fulfilling lifestyle based around their choices and individuality.
What Facilities Are Included in a Nursing Home?
A holistic approach to care is one that focuses on every aspect of a person’s wellbeing, including their physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. It applies this concept throughout all areas of a resident’s lifestyle in a nursing home. This is why many nursing homes offer a range of facilities and amenities alongside their personalised care, although these vary between homes.
Private Bedrooms
Moving into a care home means enjoying your own private bedroom, often with accessible en-suite facilities. Your bedroom is your own space that can be personalised with photos, furniture, trinkets and personal belongings to truly feel like home.
Home-Cooked Meals
Most nursing homes will have an on-site chef who will cook nutritious, tasty dishes, personalised to the tastes and requests of residents. Special diets or allergies are taken into account and menus often rotate to keep mealtimes interesting. Nurses are also on-hand at all times to discreetly assist with dining if needed, so everyone can savour and enjoy every meal.
A Social & Supportive Community
A huge benefit of moving into a nursing home is the social opportunities it provides, combating loneliness and isolation. Residents are encouraged to spend time in communal areas, chat with like-minded people and make friends.
Regular Activities
Most nursing homes will have dedicated activities coordinators, whose job it is to plan a variety of engaging sessions and entertainment for residents. These are often planned around individuals' existing interests and hobbies (as outlined in their care plan), as well as new endeavours they may enjoy.
These activities usually include creative outlets, gentle movement or exercise, outdoor sessions, games, music and dancing. Some homes even organise pet therapies and trips out into the local community. All sessions in a nursing home will be run under the supervision of the dedicated care team, who can assist residents and ensure everyone can get involved, no matter their care needs. These inclusive and stimulating activities are designed to keep the mind and body active, encourage socialisation and boost emotional health in a fun, enjoyable way.
What Might a Luxury Care Home Offer?
Some ‘luxury’ nursing homes may offer additional facilities such as a cinema room, hair salon or on-site cafe. These amenities may be all-inclusive, or come with an extra charge, depending on the individual home. These engaging features are designed to eliminate stress and elevate daily living.
How To Choose A Nursing Home
Choosing a care home in Midlothian or your chosen area can feel daunting. There are so many options and you want to feel confident that you are making the best decision for your family. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you start your search.
Consider Your Priorities
Make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to your ideal nursing home. This could be to do with location, particular facilities or activities. For example, if you or your loved ones loves gardening, try and find a care home with a secure garden and outdoor activities. Starting your search with a rough idea of what you’re looking for can help narrow down your options and simplify the process.
Do Some Online Research
A simple online search for teams like ‘Care Home in Penicuik’, ‘Nursing Home in Midlothian’ or ‘Care Home Near Me’ can give you a good idea of the options. Take some time looking at their websites and note down the contact details of any that catch your eye.
Visit a Home In-Person
This is perhaps the most important step in your search. A tour of a care home can help you get a real sense of what life is like there, as well as if you could feel at home. Trust your gut, ask any questions you have and stay a while to observe how staff interact with the residents. Remember, compassionate, person-centred care is more important than any other factor.
Supporting You at Our Midlothian Nursing Home
Here at Glencorse Care Home in Midlothian, we are proud to provide exceptional-quality nursing, residential and dementia care in our beautiful, purpose-built environment. We would love to show you round our stylish home and introduce you to the incredible team who deliver our person-centred care every day. Please arrange your home tour today, so we can discuss how Glencorse Care Home can support you and your family.
