Many families feel overwhelmed when they start searching for the right care setting. You want to make the best decision for your loved one, ensuring they are safe, happy, and supported in a way that respects their wishes and maximises their quality of life.
This guide is here to help you understand your options. We will explain the different types of care available, from support in the patient's home to residential options. We’ll walk you through the key factors to consider, helping you make a confident and informed choice that feels right for your entire family.
You may hear professionals talk about a ‘care setting’, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, a care setting is the environment where a person receives care and support. This isn’t just about a physical place; it’s about the entire support system designed to meet a person’s needs.
So, what are care settings? They range from receiving care in the comfort of your own home to moving into a purpose-built facility. The main goal is to find a setting that provides the right level of support for a person's health and wellbeing. Understanding what is a care setting involves looking at the types of help offered, the level of independence maintained, and the overall environment.
The right choice depends entirely on the unique needs of the person requiring support. Let’s explore the most common options available in the UK.
Home care is when a professional care assistant visits you or your loved one at home to provide support. This is a popular choice for those who wish to remain in familiar and comfortable surroundings. At Tiggo Care, our carers deliver personalised support tailored to your specific needs.
The great advantage of home care is its flexibility. There are various types of home care for elderly people. You can organise visits for as little as a few hours a week to 24/7 live-in care. This allows a person to maintain their independence and routines.
Our carers can provide a wide range of services, including:
A residential care home is for people who may find it difficult to live on their own but do not require significant nursing care. These homes provide a safe, communal environment where help is available 24 hours a day.
Residents have their own private room and share communal areas like lounges and dining rooms. All meals, housekeeping, and laundry are taken care of. The focus is on providing support with daily living, such as mobility and personal care, while also offering a programme of social activities. This can be a good option for someone who is feeling isolated and would benefit from being part of a community.
Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical support than residential homes. They are designed for people with a significant illness, physical disability, or complex health conditions that require regular attention from qualified nurses.
Like residential homes, nursing homes offer 24-hour staffing, meals, and personal care. The key difference is the presence of registered nurses who can provide nursing care. This includes tasks like administering certain medications, dressing wounds in partnership with district nurses, and monitoring complex health needs. Choosing between nursing homes often involves considering the specific medical training and skills of the staff.
Assisted living, often known as extra-care or sheltered housing in the UK, offers a middle ground. It combines independent living in a self-contained flat or bungalow with the availability of on-site care and support.
This option allows a person to have their own front door and privacy while knowing that help is close by if needed. Communal facilities like restaurants, lounges, and activity rooms are often part of the complex. The level of support can be dialled up or down as a person’s needs change, making it a flexible form of long-term care.
Making this decision requires careful thought. It's about balancing practical needs with personal wishes. Here are the key factors to discuss with your loved one and other family members.
The first step is to get a clear picture of the support your loved one requires. Do they need a little help with shopping and cleaning, or do they need significant assistance with their daily activities? Do they have a chronic illness or a disability that requires specialist attention?
It’s a good idea to speak with their GP for advice. They cannot recommend a specific provider, but they can help you understand the level of care needed. A social worker from your local authority’s social services department can also conduct a care needs assessment to help identify the required support. It is their duty to respond to such requests.
Consider how important independence is to your loved one. For many people, staying in their own home is vital for their sense of self. Home care is designed to maximise this independence, helping a person live life on their own terms.
In a residential setting, a person gives up some independence in exchange for security and community. While good care homes work hard to promote choice, there will always be schedules and routines to follow. The goal should always be a focus on quality of life improvement.
A person’s emotional and mental health is just as important as their physical health. A move into a new home like a residential facility can be a huge emotional upheaval, leaving someone feeling unsettled and distressed.
Think about what makes your loved one happy. Do they cherish their garden, their neighbours, or their local community? Staying at home, surrounded by familiar comforts, can have a hugely positive impact on their wellbeing and help with the prevention of loneliness and anxiety. This is where preventive care and companionship can make a real difference.
The cost of care is a significant factor. The funding system can be complex, involving personal savings, local authority contributions, and NHS funding, depending on the circumstances. Each type of care setting has a different cost structure.
It is wise to get financial advice from a specialist who understands care funding. Your local council can also provide information on what financial support might be available. You can usually find this information on their website, or you could contact them directly. Researching programs for financial assistance is a vital part of the process.
If you are considering a residential or nursing home, think about the location. Is it close enough for family and friends to visit regularly? Easy access for visitors is crucial for preventing a person from feeling isolated from their loved ones, including their adult child or grandchildren.
If you choose home care, your loved one can remain in their community, close to the people and places they know. Our carers can even help them continue to attend local clubs and social events. We need to address these social needs as part of a holistic plan.
Finally, and most importantly, what does your loved one want? Their preferences and values should be at the heart of the decision. We recommend sitting down and having an open conversation with the patient about what is important to them.
Do they value their privacy above all else? Or do they crave more social interaction? Do they have routines they want to maintain? Understanding their wishes will help you filter the options and find a solution that truly puts them first. This conversation should cover everything from personal care preferences to their long-term goals for education or hobbies.
Choosing the right care setting is one of the most important decisions you will make for your loved one. By carefully considering their health needs, independence, and personal wishes, you can find a solution that provides security and maximises their quality of life. While residential and nursing care are the right choice for some, home care offers a unique blend of professional support and personal freedom.
At Tiggo Care, we specialise in providing high-quality, person-centred care in the comfort of your loved one's own home. Our dedicated carers can provide a wide array of care services related to well-being, from companionship and housekeeping to more complex support. We also offer other services to ensure a comprehensive approach. We believe that with the right support, people can continue to thrive at home, surrounded by the things they love.
Contact us today to arrange a care consultation and find out how our team can support you in the comfort of your own home.
A care setting is the environment where a person receives professional support for their health and daily needs. This can range from their own home with visiting carers to residential facilities like a care home. The right setting depends on the individual's needs and preferences.
Examples include receiving home care visits in your own home, living in a residential care home, or staying in a nursing home. Other settings include hospitals, respite care facilities, and assisted living communities. Each one offers different levels of social care and medical support.
You can determine the right option by assessing your loved one’s health needs with their GP and considering their desire for independence. It's crucial to have an open conversation with them about their wishes. Comparing the benefits of staying at home versus moving into a residential facility is a key part of the process.
Tiggo Care provides professional care within a person’s own home. Our health care providers and carers offer a flexible service, from short visits to full-time live-in care, allowing your loved one to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment. We will work with you to create a bespoke care plan that puts their needs first.
Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
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