When you hear the words care home, you might automatically think of accommodation for older people. However, care homes can also provide accommodation and support for younger adults who have physical disabilities or more complex care needs.
If you are a young adult who needs regular help with everyday activities, you may be considering whether a care home could be suitable for you. This can provide a place to live as independently as possible, while giving you access to the care and support you need. But what is a care home for young adults? And could this be the right fit for you, or someone you care for?
What is a care home for young adults?
A care home for young adults is a residential setting where younger people can live while receiving care and support, tailored to meet their individual needs and requirements. From personal care and mobility, to medication, specialist equipment, meals, accommodation, and social activities, care homes have a lot to offer.
In addition, unlike a traditional care home that may primarily support older residents, a care home for young adults will take into account your age, interests, lifestyle and personal goals.
Who can live in a young adult care home?
Young adult care homes can support people with a range of needs. For example, you may have a physical disability that means you need regular help with everyday activities. You may also have complex care requirements that make living completely independently difficult. You may need support with:
- Washing and dressing
- Getting in and out of bed
- Moving around
- Using a wheelchair or other mobility equipment
- Taking medication
- Preparing meals
- Using specialist equipment
- Managing your daily routine
Some young adults may need assistance at particular times of the day, while others may require more regular support.
What does a young adult care home provide?
The services provided will vary between care homes, but you can usually expect a combination of accommodation and care. This may include:
- Your own bedroom or private living space
- Accessible bathrooms and facilities
- Meals and drinks
- Personal care
- Support with mobility
- Medication support
- Specialist equipment
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Social activities
- Support with accessing the local community
Some care homes may also provide more specialist care for young adults with complex physical needs. As a result, before choosing a home, it is important to check that the services available match your individual requirements.
Is a care home suitable for young adults with physical disabilities?
A care home can be suitable if your physical disability means that you need regular support with everyday activities. For example, you may need help with personal care, transferring between your bed and wheelchair, moving around safely or using specialist equipment. Living in a care home can mean that trained staff are available to provide support when you need it.
However, not every care home will have the same facilities or experience. This means that if you have specific requirements, such as adapted bathrooms, hoists or other specialist equipment, you should check that the home can provide these before making a decision. At Derby Lodge, we offer fully adapted accommodation and specialist equipment to support young adults with physical disabilities. You can find out more about our full adaptations.
Can you still be independent?
Yes. Moving into a care home does not mean that you have to give up your independence. A good care home should support you to make your own choices and remain involved in decisions about your everyday life. Depending on your needs, you may be able to decide:
- What you eat
- When you get up and go to bed
- How you spend your free time
- Which activities you take part in
- When you go out
- Who you spend time with
- How you would like your care to be provided
The support you receive should help you do the things you want to do rather than unnecessarily limiting your independence.
Can young adults work or study while living in a care home?
Living in a care home does not necessarily mean that you have to stop working or studying. Depending on your circumstances and the support available, you may be able to attend college, university, work or take part in other activities outside the home.
If education or employment is important to you, it is worth discussing this with potential care providers before choosing a home. You should also ask how staff can support you with transport, appointments and activities outside the care home.
What are the social benefits?
A care home can also provide opportunities to meet other people and develop friendships, through communal areas, organised activities and opportunities to spend time with other residents.
For young adults, it can be particularly important to find a home where you can socialise with people of a similar age and take part in activities that interest you.
You may also want to consider whether the home is close to your friends, family and the places you regularly visit.
What is the difference between a young adult care home and supported living?
Care homes and supported living can both provide care and accommodation, but the arrangements are different. A care home generally provides accommodation and care as part of one service. Staff are available to support residents with their care needs within the home.
With supported living, you will usually have your own home or tenancy, with care and support provided separately. Supported living can therefore provide greater control over your home and how your support is arranged.
A care home may be more suitable if you need a higher level of ongoing support or would benefit from having care staff available within the setting.
What should you look for in a care home for young adults?
Not every care home will be suitable for younger residents, so when looking at your options, you may want to consider:
- Whether the home is designed for young adults
- The ages of other residents
- Staff experience with physical disabilities
- Accessibility
- Adapted bedrooms and bathrooms
- Specialist equipment
- The level of care available
- Activities and social opportunities
- Access to education and employment
- Transport links
- Visiting arrangements
- Access to the local community
It is also important to consider the atmosphere of the home. You should feel comfortable with the environment and confident that it can support the lifestyle you want to have.
Should you visit a care home before choosing it?
Visiting a care home is a great idea as this can help you understand what everyday life there may be like. During your visit, you can look at the accommodation, meet staff and ask questions about the care provided. You may also want to speak to residents and find out what they enjoy about living there.
In conclusion
A care home for young adults provides accommodation alongside care and support for younger people who need help with everyday life. For young adults with physical disabilities, this may include support with personal care, mobility, medication and specialist equipment.
However, living in a care home does not mean giving up your independence. The right setting should support you to make your own choices, maintain your relationships and continue with the activities that are important to you.
Here at Derby Lodge Residential Care Home in Preston, we specialise in providing high quality care for young adults with physical disabilities. Why not get in touch today to find out more about what we can offer?