Deciding that an older relative needs additional care can raise many questions. Families may hear terms such as residential care, nursing care, dementia care, respite care and palliative care, but it is not always clear how these services differ or which option is most appropriate.
Prospect House Care Home in Malpas supports people with a broad range of needs. As well as providing nursing care, the home offers non-nursing residential care for people with and without dementia. It can also provide respite care on a non-nursing basis, subject to an assessment of the individual’s needs and availability.
Although this guide focuses primarily on nursing care, it is important to understand that Prospect House is not exclusively for people who require nursing support. Some residents need assistance with everyday life, companionship and personal care but do not require regular clinical intervention from a qualified nurse.
One of the advantages of choosing a home that provides both residential and nursing care is the potential for continuity. A person may initially move into Prospect House as a residential resident. If their needs later become more complex and nursing care is required, it may be possible for them to remain in the same familiar home rather than having to move elsewhere.
This will always depend on an individual assessment and confirmation that Prospect House can continue to meet the person’s needs safely and appropriately.
What is nursing care?
Nursing care is intended for people who require regular clinical support from qualified nurses, in addition to assistance with daily living.
Residents may need help with medication, wound care, pain management, skin integrity, mobility, nutrition, continence or the management of a long-term medical condition. Some people require nursing care after an illness, operation or hospital admission, while others develop nursing needs gradually as their health changes.
At Prospect House, qualified nursing staff are available around the clock. The experienced nursing team supports residents with a wide range of general healthcare needs and aims to ensure each person feels comfortable, secure and well cared for.
Nursing care is about much more than completing clinical tasks. It should also support the resident’s dignity, independence, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
What is residential care?
Residential care is non-nursing support for people who need help with everyday living but do not require ongoing care from a qualified nurse.
Someone receiving residential care may need assistance with:
- Washing, dressing and personal care
- Routine medication
- Eating and drinking
- Moving around safely
- Maintaining a comfortable daily routine
- Companionship and social interaction
- Managing frailty or memory difficulties
- Accessing activities and meaningful occupation
Prospect House provides residential care for people both with and without dementia.
It is important to recognise that dementia care is not automatically nursing care. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or another form of dementia may primarily need reassurance, supervision, help with personal care and support to maintain familiar routines.
Another person living with dementia may also have complex physical health conditions that require nursing input. The appropriate level of care will depend on how the condition affects the individual and what support they need.
The benefit of residential care within a nursing home
A person does not have to require nursing care before moving into Prospect House. Some people join the home because they are struggling to manage safely at home, feel isolated or need more regular support with personal care, meals, medication or mobility.
At the time of admission, their needs may be entirely residential and non-nursing.
However, people’s health can change as they grow older. A resident may become frailer, develop a new medical condition or begin to need regular clinical monitoring.
When residential and nursing care are available within the same home, support can potentially be adjusted without asking the resident to leave familiar surroundings.
Remaining in the same home can preserve relationships with staff and other residents. It also means the person can continue with established routines in an environment they already know.
This continuity may be particularly beneficial for a person living with dementia, as moving to an unfamiliar care setting can sometimes lead to anxiety, confusion or distress.
Any change from residential to nursing care will require an appropriate assessment. It will also depend on whether the home can meet the person’s new needs safely.
Who may require nursing care?
There is no single condition that automatically means someone requires nursing care. The decision should be based on the person’s health, abilities, risks and individual circumstances.
Nursing care may be suitable for someone who:
- Has one or more complex health conditions
- Requires regular monitoring by qualified nurses
- Needs support with complex medication
- Requires wound or pressure-area care
- Has significantly reduced mobility
- Needs help managing pain or other symptoms
- Is recovering from a serious illness or hospital admission
- Requires close monitoring of nutrition or hydration
- Is living with increasing frailty
- Requires palliative or end-of-life care
For some people, the need for nursing support follows a sudden illness, stroke, fracture or hospital stay. For others, needs increase gradually over time.
Personalised care and independence
Whether someone receives residential or nursing care, their support should be personalised. A care plan may include information about medication, mobility, nutrition, communication, sleep, continence, skin care and emotional wellbeing. It should also reflect the resident’s routines, interests, preferences and wishes.
Two people with the same diagnosis may require very different support. One resident may enjoy a busy day involving activities and conversation, while another may prefer quieter surroundings and a slower pace.
At Prospect House, care is tailored to the individual. The team aims to promote dignity and help residents maintain as much independence as possible.
Independence does not always mean managing without help. It may mean choosing what to wear, deciding when to get up, selecting meals, continuing with a hobby or completing part of a familiar task with appropriate support.
Access to GPs and other healthcare professionals
Residents may require support from their GP or other healthcare professionals during their stay. A local GP makes regular visits to Prospect House and undertakes weekly ward rounds. The nursing team can raise concerns about a resident’s health, discuss changes in their condition and follow any medical advice provided.
Where there is an identified clinical need, the GP may refer a resident to another NHS healthcare professional. This could include a physiotherapist, dietitian or Speech and Language Therapist. Access depends on the resident’s individual needs and an appropriate referral, usually made by the GP or another relevant clinician.
Routine chiropody may also be available by separate arrangement, but residents generally pay for this service themselves. Families should speak to the home about the arrangements and any associated charges.
The Prospect House team can support communication with external professionals and incorporate their recommendations into the resident’s daily care where appropriate.
Non-nursing respite care
Prospect House also offers respite care on a non-nursing basis, subject to assessment and availability.
A respite stay may be suitable when a family carer is going on holiday, needs a break or is temporarily unable to provide support. It may also help an older person recover confidence after a period of illness or experience care home life before deciding whether a permanent move is right for them.
Respite care may be provided for a short period or several weeks, depending on the circumstances. Before admission, the home will assess the person’s needs to ensure they can be supported safely within a non-nursing respite placement.
Palliative and end-of-life nursing care
The nursing team at Prospect House has particular experience in providing palliative and end-of-life care.
Palliative care supports people living with a serious or life-limiting condition. Its focus is on comfort, dignity, symptom management and quality of life.
Support may include pain management, monitoring symptoms, administering medication and working with the resident’s GP and other relevant clinicians.
Good end-of-life care also considers the person’s emotional, social, cultural and spiritual wishes. Families should receive clear information, reassurance and opportunities to spend meaningful time with their loved one.
Finding the right type of care
Prospect House provides nursing care alongside residential care for people with and without dementia. It also offers non-nursing respite care.
This range of support means that a person may be able to move into the home as a residential resident and later receive nursing care without having to move to another care home, provided Prospect House can continue to meet their needs safely.
Every person’s circumstances are different, so a detailed assessment and confidential discussion are the best ways to determine the most appropriate type of care.
To discuss the care needs of a relative, please contact Home Manager Tracy Lumb on 01948 800692.
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