What is a Residential Care Home?
Understanding the different care home types and what this would mean for you or your loved ones can be difficult at times, however, we have outlined all the information you need which should increase your knowledge and help you decide if this is the most suitable option for you.
A residential care home is designed to provide older people who find it difficult to live independently, with accommodation, professional around-the-clock care and access to a range of in-house facilities. A residential care home offers a way of life, in a safe and secure environment where it’s residents can enjoy "group living," making it a great option for people who prefer to not live alone and feel more comfortable in the company of others.
Also referred to as "Assisted Living" or “Group Living Arrangement”, residential care provides help with everyday needs such as personal care and mobility assistance.
What to expect when living in a Residential Care Home?
Professional care, 24 hours a day
In a residential care home setting, professional staff are on hand day to provide 24 hour personal care and support. The care provided assists with daily tasks such as personal care which includes washing, dressing and bathing, administering medication, support for those with limited mobility and communication. Having skilled and experienced carers on hand allows for instant reactions to care needs such as falls, changes in condition or other accidents which makes daily living easier for an individual. Both residents and their loved ones are constantly reassured that exceptional care is always available.
Personalised, Adaptive Care
The 24 hour care provided in a care home aims to cater to both health and wellbeing needs. By working with residents, care homes can develop an individual care plan that can be altered as and when health needs change. Should a resident's medical condition change while living in a care home, the staff are able to respond quickly and efficiently and amend the care plan to reflect the evolving medical and wellbeing requirements. Residents living in this environment are able to settle and have peace of mind knowing their stay is long-term and truly enjoy their home.
Safe & Secure Setting
A resident's surroundings can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Residential care homes are carefully and considerately designed for older people; creating a welcoming environment that promotes independence. Loved ones can find peace of mind knowing relatives are safe, and living in a secure environment. Each care home resident is given their own private room where they can personalise to truly feel in their own home where friends and family can visit.
Companionship
Residential care homes are perfectly equipped for residents to enjoy the social benefits group living can naturally bring. A care home presents residents with everything they need to live their lives their way, whether they wish to enjoy their days peacefully reading, exploring their local community, or finding companionship with fellow residents during an arts and crafts session.
Diverse, Nutritious Meals
When living in a care home, residents are offered diverse and nutritious menus every day. An in-house chef allows flexibility when selecting suppliers, considering food preferences as well as cultural and dietary needs. Both hot and cold meal options will be available, as well as soft and easy-to-eat meals to ensure all residents can enjoy mealtimes.
Increased Independence
A residential care home is the ideal environment for residents to be able to continue to do the things they love whilst getting the support they need. From mealtime preferences through to regular entertainment and strolls around the landscaped gardens, residents are encouraged to live their lives, entirely their way. With residents' safety and medical care in the safe hands of professional staff, residents are able to focus on how they wish to spend their time and enjoy the independence of making those choices.
Active & Healthy Lifestyle
People in residential care are able to continue living their lives while being relieved of the demands of daily life. This freedom allows residents to pursue hobbies, new interests and social encounters. Some care homes offered a range of facilities for residents to enjoy on a regular basis, including hair salons, communal rooms, landscaped gardens, cinema rooms as well as daily activities and regular social events.
Cost of Residential Care
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for local authority funding provided by the local council or through the NHS Complex Clinical Care (previously known as NHS Continuing Healthcare) which will contribute towards the cost of care depending on a person's circumstances. When it comes to deciding how you pay for your care home costs, we recommend you seek independent financial advice.
Should a resident's health condition change and the professional care is altered in response to a change in needs, the care home fee may be adjusted if they require nursing care. Any changes to fees and care plans are discussed with residents and their loved ones before being implemented following a care needs assessment.
The average cost of a residential care home varies. You can find out more information on the average cost of a care home at carehome.co.uk.
Residential Care at Etive House Care Home
Our approach to residential care prioritises residents’ health and wellbeing as well as their interests, ensuring comprehensive care is provided every day. Our first class accommodation paired with extensive in-house facilities and social activities ensures residents live a rich and fulfilled life. And for those with particular interests, our team go above and beyond to fulfil those also. Most recently, Etive House Care Home organised an air tour for a specific resident after discovering his love for flying.
We’re driven to support those residing with us to continue living their lives entirely their way, while providing the correct level of care each person requires. All care plans are regularly reviewed with input from both staff, residents and their family and loved ones. We encourage relationship-centred care to ensure all residents are receiving appropriate and personalised care.
“My Mother was a resident at Etive House for 4 years. The care she received was exceptional. All the staff were so caring and warm and friendly. We developed a relationship with them all which was rooted in trust. They were all so committed and kept the family well informed with everything in relation to my Mother's care. My Mother was very happy there and felt safe and loved. We were all made to feel so welcome and part of the Etive House family when we visited.”
Review from Fraser T (Son of Resident) via carehome.co.uk.
The team of Care Assistants at Etive House continue to go above and beyond to ensure that each resident is provided with compassionate, person-centred care and support every day, matched with an engaging and motivating activities programme and a range of all-inclusive facilities for residents to live a fulfilled and active lifestyle. This exceptional level of care is recognised by the Care Home Awards 2022, with Etive House Care Home being placed within the Top 20 Care Homes in 2022 awards.
Who We Care For
Etive House Care Home is a purpose-built home that is fully equipped to accommodate a wide range of care needs and offer a range of care options, including those living with the following medical conditions:
- Residential Care
- Dementia Care
- Respite Care
- Palliative Care
- Physical Disability
- Sensory Impairment
- Alzheimer's
- Parkinson's Disease
Reach Out and Talk to our Skilled Professionals
Researching residential homes and understanding the types of care available, recognising the care requirements you specifically need and the costs of care can feel overwhelming when trying to find the best option for your loved one. Our friendly team is on hand to provide advice and support to both our existing residents as well as future residents and their loved ones.
Etive House proudly offers expert Residential Care as well as Dementia Care, Respite Care and Palliative Care. When it comes to researching care homes in Oban, we welcome you to get in touch with any questions you have regarding our care services to help you find the right choice of care.