TERMS GLOSSARY
The world of care and care related services is steeped in jargon and can be extremely confusing. Here we have tried to unravel and explain some of the main terms you are likely to come across. We hope you find this useful.
Close care
This is also known as assisted living. The close care concept is a model of care based on assisted living within the grounds of an existing care home, but in separate properties, which may or may not be attached to the home. Services, including care, can be provided if and when required.
Domiciliary care
This is made up of services which are ‘tailor made’ to meet the needs of the individual and enable that individual to remain in their own home as independently as possible.
Extra care
This is where care is provided 24 hours a day. Care staff will work on a shift basis in order to provide this service.
Fully serviced
This is really the same definition as close care with the inclusion of special terms depending upon the provider eg, in the case of Retirement Villages, meals are provided in the restaurant or served in the individual’s own home.
Independent living
A slight exception to the care context but one which will be relevant to many of our readers. This is a scheme where private housing is available subject to specific criteria eg, individuals meet the set age requirement, 24-hour emergency cover is in place. There is no direct care provision but services can be bought in.
Nursing home
This is usually a long-term facility for care of patients who are not sick enough to need hospital care but are not able to remain at home. Historically, most residents were elderly or ill or had chronic irreversible and disabling disorders, and medical and nursing care was minimal.
Today nursing homes have a more active role in health care, helping patients prepare to live at home or with a family member when possible. They help conserve expensive hospital facilities for the acutely ill and improve the prospects of the chronically disabled.
Many homes, including a number of our own, can provide specialised care for specific conditions such as dementia. Nursing homes must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and must adhere to strict regulations at all times.
Respite care
This provides temporary relief for primary carers. This service may be provided for varied periods of time in a location agreed upon by the carer, the individual receiving the care and the respite provider eg, convalescence following an illness or a stay in hospital, in order to give the family or spouse a rest.
Residential care
This is for people who cannot continue living in their own home, even with support from home care services. Residential care can help you to continue living safely, whilst giving your family or carer peace of mind knowing that you are in a safe and supportive environment. Residential care and nursing homes will provide you with:
• a safe and comfortable environment
• privacy and dignity
• support of your physical, intellectual, social and spiritual needs
• day to day support
• an in-depth social calendar