Home Care
Home Care (sometimes called Domiciliary Care) is care provided in the home, and is suited to those people who can retain their independence with some outside support. The care provided is usually to help with a specific task, for example, help getting up and going to bed and/or help with bathing. There are various local private nursing and care agencies who specialise in home care packages to suit individual needs. These agencies are regulated by law and have to meet standards laid down by the Care Standards Act.

As well as care services coming into the home there are many companies who will deliver services, such as pharmacies and local food retailers. Schemes run by the charities, Help the Aged and Age Concern may provide sitting services and handyman schemes.

Sheltered Housing
Sheltered Housing schemes are suited for people who want to retain independent lives, but would like the security of a Warden or Scheme Manager who is available in case of emergencies. However, sheltered housing schemes do not provide care staff.

Day Care
Day Care Units provide support to older people, providing social contact, preventing them from becoming isolated and giving the opportunity for Carers to have a break. During the day drinks and meals are served.

Extra Care Housing
This kind of housing gives older people who might otherwise consider residential care, the chance to stay independent but with greater support. Extra Care Housing offers independent living with a Scheme Manager and an Assistant, plus home care staff on site, an emergency alarm system and community facilities such as communal lounges,hairdressing, laundry and library services. Some schemes offer more, such as a restaurant or cafeteria, a shop and guest room. You do not have to use the Care Service if you do not need to, but they are there for when you do.

Respite Care
It may be that you require a period of more intensive care away from home, possibly following an illness, or during your regular carers annual holiday, or may be just to give your carer a break. Respite care in a specialist care home may be the ideal solution in
these circumstances. Many professionally run Care Homes, usually in the independent sector across the UK, offer tailormade respite care.

Care Homes
There may come a time when a person needs long term care over and above what can be practically provided by home care or nursing agencies. Then the option of a care home should considered. Deciding to leave one's own home and move into a care home can be very stressful and distressing. However, many peoples' preconceptions about
moving into a care home are usually unfounded and generally the care provided is of a high standard, allowing residents to live a fulfilled life, with the care provided meeting the individual's personal needs while respecting their privacy and dignity.

There is a wide range of care homes to suit most people, so they can carry on their lives and maimtain participation in the activities they enjoy but with the added benefit of security, companionship and 24 hour care. It is a common misconception that private care homes are only available to wealthy individuals.

All care homes have to meet the minimum standards required under the Care Standards Act and are inspected regularly to check that standards are maintained. Each care home will have an Inspection Report which is available on request. If you do not want to ask the home you can get a copy from the Care Standards Commission.

There are two types of care home; Care Homes which provide meals and personal care and Care Homes with Nursing which provide meals, personal care and regular care by specialist nursing staff.

The majority of care homes are owned by the independent operators, along with a limited number of homes which are owned and operated by The Local Authority.