What is the Difference Between Residential Care and Nursing Care?
When choosing the right care home for yourself or a loved one, understanding the difference between a care home and a nursing home is essential. Two of the most common types of long-term care services are residential care and nursing care, but what distinguishes them, and which one is right for your needs?
Let's explore the key differences, outline what each offers, and help you navigate the decision with confidence.
Understanding Residential Care
Residential care is a type of care provided in a residential care home where individuals live in a supportive, homely environment. It's suitable for those who need help with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, or taking medication, but who don't require regular medical care from a qualified nurse.
What Residential Care Involves
In residential care settings, staff provide personal care and support to residents throughout the day. This includes assistance with:
Personal Hygiene (e.g. bathing and dressing
Meal Preparation and nutrition
Administering medication as prescribed
Help with mobility and getting in and out of bed safely
Housekeeping and laundry
Many residential homes offer individual en suite bedrooms, access to communal facilities, and a programme of social and physical activity to help residents engage with each other and enjoy their day-to-day life.
Who is Residential Care For?
Residential care is ideal for older adults who are generally in good health but require some personal care or support with everyday living. It's also suitable for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, early-stage dementia, or mental health issues that don't require constant medical attention.
What is Nursing Care?
In contrast, nursing care is intended for individuals who have more complex health needs or require frequent medical treatment. Provided in a nursing home, this type of care involves 24-hour support from qualified nurses on site, also known as registered nurses, alongside care assistants.
What Nursing Home Offer
Nursing homes deliver the same level of personal care found in residential care, but with the added benefit of continuous medical supervision. Services in a nursing home include:
24/7 care by qualified and trained nurses.
Specialist medical care for those with complex medical conditions.
Administration of injections, wound care, and administering medication.
Pain management and palliative care (though not all nursing homes offer palliative services).
Monitoring of vital signs and ongoing ill health.
Nursing care often incorporates support from medical professionals, including district nurses, physiotherapists, and visiting health professionals, ensuring that each resident receives a comprehensive care plan tailored to their health needs.
Who Needs Nursing Care?
Nursing care is appropriate for people who:
Have complex medical needs or severe physical disabilities
Require specialist dementia care or are in a specialist dementia nursing home
Suffer from mental illness or severe learning disabilities
Need post-operative care or recovery following hospital discharge
Live with progressive or chronic medical conditions such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or advance dementia
In these cases, the presence of qualified nurses and access to specialist knowledge is essential to identify symptoms, manage pain, and deliver specialist care.
Residential Care and Nursing Care: Key Differences
While both types of care homes offer a safe and supportive environment, the main difference between residential care and nursing care lies in the level of medical oversight.
Medical Staff
Residential Care: Care assistants and support workers
Nursing Care: 24-hour care from registered nurses
Medical Needs
Residential Care: Mild to moderate support
Nursing Care: Complex or frequent medical treatment
Suitability
Residential Care: Individuals needing help with daily tasks
Nursing Care: Those with complex medical or physical needs
Health Professionals
Residential Care: Access to GPs and therapists
Nursing Care: Access to GPs plus medical professionals like district nurses and physiotherapists
Environment
Residential Care: Homely, communal atmosphere
Nursing Care: Clinical support within a homely setting
The Role of Qualified Nurses in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are required to have qualified nurses on site around the clock. These nurses provide critical health monitoring, respond to emergencies, and coordinate with hospitals or NHS funded nursing care teams when needed. For residents with complex medical conditions, this access to continuous clinical expertise can make a significant difference in outcomes and quality of life.
Costs and Funding: Residential Care vs Nursing Care
Another important factor to consider is cost. Nursing home costs are generally higher than those in a residential care home, due to the need for qualified nurses and specialised equipment.
However, if a person is assessed as needing nursing care, they may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, which contributes towards the cost of the nursing care component. In Scotland, this is known as funded nursing care and is administered through your local council or local authority.
A financial assessment and needs assessment will typically be carried out to determine what level of support and funding a person is entitled to. It's also worth noting that if someone is eligible for continuing healthcare, the NHS may cover the full cost of their care.
Making the Right Choice
Deciding between residential care and nursing care is not always easy. The best approach is to consider:
1 . Health Requirements - Do you or your loved one have a complex medical condition or require frequent medical attention?
2 . Level of Independence - Is there a desire to remain independent while having some support with personal care?
3 . Support Network - Are family members and other forms of help available nearby?
4 . Assessment Outcomes - What has the needs assessment from the local authority or healthcare provider recommended?
If you're unsure, consult with your GP or a social care professional to determine which type of care best suits your circumstances.
Transitioning from Your Own Home to a Care Home
Moving from your own home into a care environment can be a major life change. At Benarty View, we make this transition as smooth as possible, offering residents their own space, privacy, and access to supportive and respectful staff. Whether in our residential care settings or our dedicated nursing team, we ensure every individual feels valued, safe, and empowered.
Supporting a Range of Needs at Benarty View
Benarty View provides both residential care and nursing care, tailored to the unique requirements of each resident. Our holistic approach ensures that we not only meet medical and personal needs, but also focus on emotional wellbeing, social and physical activity, and helping residents maintain a sense of community and purpose.
From providing expert support with learning disabilities to managing complex medical needs, out highly trained team is committed to delivering compassionate, dignified care.
Which Type of Care is Right for You?
To summarise, the key difference between residential care and nursing care comes down to the level of medical support required. While residential care offers vital assistance with personal care and daily tasks, nursing care is designed for those needing more intensive medical treatment and constant oversight from qualified nurses.
If you or a loved one is facing a decision about long-term care, understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right type of care to meet your needs. At Benarty View Care Home, we're here to provide guidance, offer personalised care, and ensure that every resident enjoys comfort, dignity, and a high quality of life - whatever their level of need.
