Residential care is a type of care option that provides accommodation alongside care and support for people who need help with everyday activities. This makes it a suitable choice for people of different ages, with different levels of care needs, including older people and young adults with physical disabilities. If this applies to you or a loved one, you might be wondering what exactly you can expect from residential care, and if this would be the right fit for you.
So what is residential care?
Residential care is a type of care where you live in a residential setting and receive support for your everyday needs. This can include meals, personal care and assistance with activities such as washing, dressing, taking medication and moving around.
In a residential setting, care staff will be available to provide support whenever you need it, and the amount of care you receive will depend on your individual needs. Some people may require assistance with only certain parts of their daily routine, while others may need more regular or ongoing support.
Residential care offers this flexibility, and helps you maintain as much independence as possible.
What does residential care provide?
Residential care homes can provide a range of services depending on the needs of their residents. This can include:
- Accommodation and meals
- Help with personal care
- Support with medication
- Assistance with mobility
- Help with daily routines
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Social activities
- Support with maintaining independence
Some residential care settings may also provide specialist support for people with particular needs, such as physical disabilities or complex care requirements. However, the services available can vary between homes, so it is important to understand what support a particular setting can provide.
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.
Who is residential care suitable for?
If you, or someone you care for, needs regular support with everyday life, but is unable to manage entirely independently at home, residential care can be the perfect solution. This also means that the type of person who may benefit from residential care can vary widely, as residential care can support:
- Older people
- Young adults with physical disabilities
- People who need help with everyday activities
- People with complex care needs
- People who require ongoing support to live safely
What is residential care for young adults who are physically disabled?
Residential care can be particularly important for young adults who are physically disabled and require regular support with everyday activities. The type of support you receive will be tailored fully to your individual needs and care plan, and you will be supported to live as independently as possible. This is important as receiving care and support does not mean that you should lose the ability to make decisions about your own life. Depending on your needs, you will be able to decide:
- What you eat
- When you go out
- How you spend your time
- What activities you take part in
- Who you spend time with
What is a care plan?
A care plan is a document that explains the support you need and how that support should be provided. For example, it may include information about your personal care needs, mobility, medication and daily routines. A good care plan should also take your preferences, goals and lifestyle into account, but it’s important to note that your needs may change over time, so your care plan should be reviewed regularly.
You should be involved in discussions about your care plan and have the opportunity to explain what is important to you.
What should young adults look for in a residential care setting?
If you’re looking for a residential care setting, it is important to consider whether the environment and support are appropriate for your needs and lifestyle. You may want to look at:
- Whether the building is fully accessible
- The availability of adapted bedrooms and bathrooms
- Hoists and other specialist equipment
- Whether staff have experience supporting people with physical disabilities
- The level of care available during the day and night
- How care is personalised
- Opportunities for independence
- Social and leisure activities
- Transport and access to the local community
- Whether you can have visitors
- The age range of other residents
For many young adults, it is also important to consider whether the setting feels appropriate for your age and stage of life. As such, you may want to visit several different residential care settings before deciding which one is right for you.
During a visit, consider how accessible the environment is and whether it feels like somewhere you could live comfortably. You may also want to ask questions about the care provided, the experience of staff and how much control residents have over their daily lives.
At Derby Lodge we place a strong emphasis on activities and leisure that reflect the interests of younger adults, helping residents maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
In conclusion
Residential care provides accommodation and support for people who need assistance with everyday life. The support can include personal care, help with mobility, medication and other daily activities.
For young adults who are physically disabled, residential care can provide an opportunity to live outside the family home while still receiving the support you need. The right setting should not only meet your care needs but also support your independence, choices and personal goals.
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?