What are retirement home options for older people?
Retirement homes are one of the many living arrangement options available for older people. They offer individuals a place to live independently, within a community of people who are at a similar stage of life.
Sometimes known as sheltered housing, retirement homes and villages provide access to on-site facilities, but they offer minimal support with personal care, if any.
Is a retirement home the right option for you or a loved one? Read on to learn more about what retirement homes offer and how they compare to care homes, assisted living facilities and other housing options.
What is a retirement home?
A retirement home is a safe and secure place where older people can live independently. They’re designed so individuals can enjoy the convenience of modern amenities and the support of a community of like-minded people. Retirement homes can be bought or rented, and they are usually for people aged over 55 to 60.
Some retirement homes offer access to communal areas and facilities like on-site cafes, gyms, swimming pools and hairdressers, so everything you need is on your doorstep. Larger-scale developments called retirement villages are designed as complete neighbourhoods with more premium facilities, and they are often more expensive as a result.
Services like gardening and general maintenance can also be offered by retirement homes and villages (often for an additional fee), as well as 24-hour security systems. Most do not provide support with personal care.
How do retirement homes differ to other living facilities?
Every housing option for older people has different benefits and drawbacks. Choosing what is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
Retirement homes
Retirement homes, sometimes also called sheltered housing, usually offer communal facilities and on-site social activities and events, but most do not provide support with personal care. They are ideal for people who can live independently and are looking for a stress-free retirement experience, where tasks like gardening and general maintenance are taken care of and where social activities are available. Retirement homes are not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Assisted living
Extra care housing options, also called assisted living facilities, cater for older people who need more support with their personal care, like dressing, washing and taking medications. Residents live in self-contained flats, but 24-hour support is available. Unlike retirement homes, these facilities are regulated by the CQC in England, the Care Inspectorate Wales and the Care Inspectorate for Scotland.
Residents can typically enjoy communal areas and social events, and meals can be provided in some cases for an extra fee. The services offered vary from one facility to the next. Care UK provides assisted living facilities at three of our homes: Parker Meadows, Liberham Lodge and Sway Place.
Care homes
A care home (also called a residential care home) is a safe environment where older people live to receive personal care and support to live their life to the full. Personalised care plans are provided for each resident, as well as tailored activities, outings and meals. In Care UK care homes, residents live in suites with others who have similar needs, each with its own lounge and dining area. This creates a cosy, comfortable atmosphere where residents can form tight-knit communities.
While residents are supported to live as independently as possible, they can rest easy knowing that a dedicated team is on hand 24 hours a day. Many of our residential care homes also support people living with dementia, or those who need short-term respite care.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes are similar to residential care homes as they provide round-the-clock support for residents – but they also deliver registered nursing care for those who have higher-level needs. A qualified nurse is on site 24 hours a day, supported by care assistants.
Nursing homes are ideal for individuals who need immediate care after being discharged from hospital, or who have a long-term care need. Social activities and in-home entertainment are also provided to support residents to continue living fulfilling lives. Some of Care UK’s nursing homes provide nursing dementia care for people who have complex medical needs as well as a dementia diagnosis.
What’s the difference in services between a retirement home and a care home?
If you’re looking into care for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to consider the level of care provided, additional services and cost before making a choice on a living arrangement. Use the table below to decide if a care home or retirement home is the right option for you.
The right care for your needs
We know that finding the right care for yourself or a loved one can be a stressful experience. If you’re still unsure whether a care home, retirement home or another living facility is the right choice for you, our friendly teams are always on hand to provide advice and support.
Search for your local care home to find out more about the care they provide or contact our care support team for more information.
