What’s the Difference Between Retirement Homes & Care Homes?
A retirement home and a residential care home sound similar and are easy to confuse. However, they have key differences and knowing what they are will help you plan for a retirement that fits your lifestyle. Here is a simple breakdown of what retirement and residential care homes are and how they differ.
What are Retirement Homes?
A retirement home is a private property within a peaceful community of other retirees. The development is designed to help you live a lower-maintenance lifestyle while supporting your independence and autonomy. Tasks like garden maintenance and household repairs are often provided for you. Personal and medical care are not included in a retirement home, so it generally costs less than living in a care home.
A Retirement Home with Churchill Living
An apartment in one of our Churchill Living retirement villages provides a comfortable, private, secure home on a managed estate. The development has communal, tended gardens and a resident’s lounge where you can socialise and take part in recreational activities. Each development also has guest suites for family visits.
We fit every apartment with a careline support system for emergency use. You can also contact the Lodge Manager or the call centre team 24 hours a day. We have retirement homes across the UK, in city, countryside and coastal locations.
What is a Care Home?
A residential care home offers housing with personal care and catering included. In some cases, you have access to 24-hour medical assistance.
Care homes provide different levels of assisted living, so it’s key to know your needs and thoroughly research the care home you are considering. In general, care homes are more suited to those living with a disability or long-term medical condition that compromises mobility and independence.
The Four Main Types of Care Home:
Standard Residential Care Home
These are staffed by carers who provide 24-hour help with things like washing, dressing, eating, toileting and taking medication. These homes also host activities and organise day trips for residents.
Care Home with Nursing (or a Nursing Home)
Nursing homes are like standard care homes, with the addition of 24-hour aid from qualified nurses.
Care Homes with Dementia Care
These specialist homes cater for residents with dementia and have qualified nurses and staff with dementia training to help them feel safe and live in a supportive environment as their condition develops.
Dual-Registered Care Homes
Dual care homes house residents who need personal and nursing care. Providing both means that residents won’t need to move to another care home if their health changes.
Key differences Between Retirement Residences and a Care Home
- Personal Care Assistance
Retirement homes typically don’t provide personal care services, while care homes provide comprehensive care for residents.
- Independence
Retirement homes promote a busy, mobile and independent lifestyle. Care homes cater to those who need help with daily tasks and may have mobility impediments.
- Medical Support
Certain care homes have on-site medical staff or regular visits from healthcare professionals; retirement homes typically do not.
- Cost
Care homes can be significantly more expensive due to the personal care and catering service.
What is Right for Me?
When deciding whether a retirement or care home is right for you, it helps to consider your future needs alongside your current lifestyle. Your health, mobility and social preferences are all key factors, as is your budget.
If you aren’t sure, why not discuss it with the people who know you best? Family, friends and even your GP can provide a helpful perspective.
Retirement Homes with Churchill Living
Our retirement communities are designed exclusively for people over 60 to enhance and support an independent, low-maintenance lifestyle. Above all, we offer a safe and secure environment for you to spend time doing the things you love. See our Churchill Living Home for Life Plan and explore our apartments for sale.