For many the idea of ‘residential care‘ is limited to the ‘elderly’, who are often seen as the predominant age group to ‘need’ residential care services, when in fact residential care can cater to ‘all age ranges’. Nursing care or specialized care for younger adults is becoming increasingly prevalent in many ‘care homes’ where issues like ‘detoriating mobility’, mental health and ‘neurlogical disorders’ are met by a team of dedicated professionals. Largely though residential care is often targeted at the elderly whose needs are ‘low’ and still have a great level of independence. These individuals do not necessarily need ‘nursing care’ but assistance with every day tasks such as ‘washing’, ‘dressing’ and in some cases ‘cooking’. We often conjure up an image of the elderly being ‘imprisoned in care homes’ and being robbed from their freedom, but residential care homes like Barchester do quite the opposite.
Barchester believes that we should enjoy life at any age, regardless of how society might view certain age groups. Rejecting the stereotype that being elderly means being ‘bed bound’, their range of fun activities to both stimulate the mind and nourish the soul, will reassure you that your grandparents, parents and even kids are in safe hands. When I was in my third year of university I learnt first hand how the residential care system worked and although my own personal experience as a ‘residential nurse’ was exhausting and intense, one of the best memories that I took away from the experience was how happy I had made the care patients feel. Dependent on the individual, each person had a different range of tasks that they needed help with and while some were bed bound and needed more advanced care, others were more independent and needed help with simple activities like taking medication, reading and more. It was providing residential rather than ‘nursing’ care that I enjoyed the most and being able to talk to people from all walks of life and how their lives had panned out was a marvel to recall.
Like Barchester, some of the patients were offered ‘activity programmes’ that were tailored to their different needs and capabilities, although I feel like the care system that I worked in should take a leaf out of ‘Barchester’s’ books, to really make a difference to the care patients lives. While the one I worked in offered assisted walks, supermarket trips and church visits, Barchester takes it one step further and offers gardening, baking, outings, gentle exercise, pet care and life-skills work. Other ‘alternative programmes’ also offer different forms of therapy to address their emotional as well as physical and social needs. The therapies include reminiscence therapy, music therapy and complimentary therapies, which can maintain a positive frame of mind, help the patient feel less lonely and allow them to express their emotions in a tranquil, stress-free environment. It is Barchester’s focus on ’emotional health’ and wellbeing that most appeals to me as many ‘residential care systems’ fail to address their patients emotional requirements because they tend to solely focus on psychical needs. As we all know, the body cannot survive without the mind and for those who have depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, there is often psychosomatic symptoms such as ‘nausea’, ‘cramps’ and more that manifest as a partial result of unresolved mental health issues. Having a dedicated programme that not only caters to the patients physical needs but also offers therapy to address their mental health, is something that should be in place in all care homes.
Sadly mental health still remains a taboo in many residential care homes but sending a loved one to Barchester who actually takes the time to both listen to their patients and draft up ways of dealing with mental health, is a step in the right direction. Even just by enrolling a patient in one of their more ‘social activities’ like gardening or baking is a way of fostering and cultivating community spirit and allowing them to talk to people outside of their family circle. Loneliness is something we have all faced at one point in our lives but for many elderly patients they have watched the ones they love die one by one over the years and its never easy to get over, even when they expect it. Taking time out of your day to help someone do the activities they love and watch their faces light up as they have fun is truly one of the most rewarding things that you could ever witness and I was proud to help people live their last days in peace and happiness, even if it was for a short time. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who work in the care system for their dedication and selfless attitude to helping others. Without you our elderly and young adults who require specialized care would be alone and their needs ignored, but you make their happiness possible.
What Are Your Thoughts On Residential Care?
*Disclaimer
Please note I am not a ‘care or mental health professional’ and any queries regarding someone you know who you think may require specialist care should be consulted with a professional. I am simply offering my thoughts and personal research surrounding ‘mental health’ and ‘residential care’ in collaboration with Barchester Healthcare.
I didn’t have any idea that Residential Care is for everyone, not only for old people! Glad to know that Barchester’s focus on emotional health and wellbeing as most of the people need emotional support in a certain phase of their life!
I work for the NHS and I deal with placing people in residential care, including in Barchester homes. A great post that’s highlighted many areas people may not have considered. Jo x
Hi lovely, this is such a well thought out piece ad great to raise awareness too. Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
My nan is 96 and lives in her own home still. There are such horror stories around residential care that we dread her having to go into a home. Barchester sounds a refreshing alternative.
I must admit when u think about residential care the first thing that pop’s into my mind is the elderly. I agree with you about mental health still being taboo its something that needs to be talked about more often.
I don’t think carers are given enough recognition for the wonderful work they do. I think regardless of the situation, just listening to people can make such a great difference.
I personally know that I always forget that residential care is for young people as well as the elderly. I think there’s a lot of stigma about the idea that the people in residential care suffer from mental dehabilitation, but it’s not necessarily true. A lot of people need physical help rather than mental, and we should be doing more for everyone in care to get a better quality of life, and I think recreational activities can really help!
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Such an important issue… I think an active mind and an active body are so good for us (at any age) and it’s great to hear that some care homes take that responsbility seriously. Really thought provoking article.
I think it would be nice to send the elderly to a place wherein they can still do the things that they want. I don’t like the idea of sending a mother or a father there unless they would rather live alone and you’re worried about their welfare. I think it’s still nice to have them at home.
Our family is starting to talk about this very topic .. as my grandparents are getting older. In fact .. they’ve started touring a number of facilities in our area. I’ve been really surprised. Most are clean and bright .. the patients have their own apartment and buy help based upon their level of need. It’s crazy the number of activities that are happening every day .. and their meals are brought right to their door and they have a menu of delicious options to pick from. Certainly .. there are facilities that would fall more in line with the unfortunate stories we often think of. At the same time .. there seem to be a wealth of other (really great) options out there
How different, I think this really did change my perspective on residential care because we always hear about the elderly being placed and I don’t think there’s places around me that do this for those of any age. Thanks for sharing this x
I’ve only heard horror stories about residential homes, so I loved reading about Barchester’s initiatives. Sounds like such a great alternative 🙂
I think residential care is great when the residents are looked after properly and it’s done as an alternative for those who are unable to care for themselves x
I think its important to offer such activities as it helps to keep the mind active .It also encourages people to mix with each other instead of being a recluse. Sometimes just sitting and watching even if not participating is a refreshing change.
What an interesting post. I’ve never thought of residential care for everyone, not just the elderly x
Our Opa is in a rehab currently but was fortunate enough to have an aid at home to help out with things. Interesting article!
I didn’t really think about it being available for anyone other than the elderly but it does make sense where mental health issues come into play.
Good to know about Barchester, I had know idea that younger people needed this facility. That’s such a shame. It’s good to know that will be well taken care of.
I never knew there is such thing as residential health care. Glad you were able to share your thoughts about it. Before I thought it was only for adults not realizing that younger people might need help to be taken care of as well.
I’ve experienced during my life a few times that family members who aren’t elderly needed residential care for one reason or another. I wish they could have gone to Barchester, so many residential facilities don’t have such amazing programs!
My grandmother is in residential care because she can no longer care for herself but she cannot accept that she needs help. I like to think that I will make the decision voluntarily when I am unable to look after myself, for the sake of causing my family and myself the least stress. I know there are plenty of younger people who need support in the form of residential care so well done for raising awareness with this post.
My dad actually runs a residential care home and it is so rewarding. They are mostly aged over 50 though
Barchester Healthcare seem to be a great care provider. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to work with younger people who have serious problems. Thanks for raising such a subject.
We have a family member who needs residential but is resisting it for exactly the reasons you mention – she doesn’t want to be with “old people”.
residential care and I guess all types of care are such difficult things for us to think about – until we need to make use of their services etc.
My MIL and SIL are carers and they do such good work that isn’t as noticed as well as it should be
this was an interesting post to read! it’s reminded me that it’s not just the elderly. great to raise awareness
This care facility seems very good and pro active. I haven’t heard of Barchester Healthcare but then I live in Ireland. My mother is now in residential care and I have become more knowledgeable about the subject of residential care. She is lucky as she has happened to get a permanent residency in a very caring hospital in my local town. They care for her every need while always remembering her diginity.
Great post Ana. I was not aware of most of the facts here. Good to know there are quality care homes around.
This a great topic that needs to be discussed a lot more! I try to stay active and challenge my memory. This was great article for sure – thank you!
This is a fantastic post, very detailed and thought provoking.
My Grandma is 95 and is in a retirement home. It’s really nice and she can still have some independence–and help, if she needs it. I think some can be really good, but always do research, because some are frightening.
I have heard several horror stories of terrible resident care experiences. It’s refreshing to see a positive story that highlights a positive care plan. Thank you for sharing!
This is such an important issue. I think there are so many people out there that have no idea how many people rely on these care systems and how valuable training, staffing and funding is in keeping the services at a high level. I am so very thankful for the people who make caring for others in this way their life’s purpose.
I would like to give that choice to the elderly instead of deciding for them. Of course since I don’t have kids who would send me to a place like this, it’s easy for me to say that I’ll just stay at home.
Yet another amazing and super important message conveyed in one of your posts lovely – thank you xx
What a beautiful and caring post. My daughters grandfather has Parkinsons and he has someone visit him daily, to keep him company and make sure he is eating. He lives so far away, but even near his family it’s those who work in this field that help him maintain a healthy life and should be rewarded more
I guess we’ll never know when we might need care ourselves. You’d like to think you did be treated well if you did.
Glad that you are into this kind of good awareness. Thumbs up!
A great, eye-opening post, it’s good to know there are some really great residential care homes out there.
There is a lot of stigma attached to care homes, as there are some truly bad ones out there. Barchester sounds like it actually cares.
I suspect many don’t give thought to this until it is too late, like many issues getting old and the elderly just doesn’t figure for some x
Residential Care look like a really nice job in the sense that they help a lot. It doesn’t surprise me that they are available for young people too, actually, why wouldn’t they?
I had no idea residential homes are for ages, but it makes sense. I think the ‘activity programmes’ are very important and it should be a part of the care provided to them. A very interesting read.
Residential care is so important, for all age groups and people that suffer from a variety of issues and their families who often need the respite.
i was not even aware there was one in our area until we went fundraising today and found one on our walk out x
Such an important issue. Not a lot of people know about this. Just following on from what Holly ^ said about active mind and active body. I think my mum is slowly coming to the realization of that. Especially after getting diabetics.
Love the social activities they offer at this residential care home. Sounds much better than being isolated by themselves with limited care. Food for though x
It’s important to have an understanding of this service, as anyone can find themselves or a loved one needing to go into residential care. Good quality providers are the key to getting the right care
I had never thought of this before. I always think of it for the elderly. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve always said that one day I’d like to live in a residential care home when I can’t take care of myself which could be at any time now due to back and health issues. I’m not in the elderly category myself.
This is such an important topic and so glad you are spreading awareness! I had not idea until i read your post that this was not just for old aged people but for everyone.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Ana, this is such a well-written, informative post! Thank you for raising awareness of the issue, it helped me to look at things from a different perspective and stop flipping assuming. x
This is so interesting! I totally believe that social interaction, physical activity and mental stimulation are key factors in living a long healthy life.
very important issue to share, its great that a lot of care homes do an amazing job.
I learnt something in this today. I had no idea and hadn’t thought of it being for all ages. x
Never knew that residential care catered to all ages! Such a great post to raise awareness!
we’ve looked at several care homes recently, these are on my radar too….
What a great post to raise awareness. There is always such mixed opinions on residential care.
There are many reasons why residential care is not always limited to the elderly. Reading this post tells me that Barchester provides fantastic care for it’s residents and really goes above and beyond. That will be a comfort for anyone who needs to find residential care for a loved one.
Its so easy to think of residential care as only being for old people when really theres lots of people who need help and support xxx
Great post! I never thought about residential care for young people. I always think it’s the elderly who need it.
That’s good to know that it’s for everyone! I’m sure your job in University was rewarding and exhausting.
Whilst I would always prefer to keep my relatives at home, sometimes that becomes impossible. Barchester sounds pretty good with its wide range of activities. In fact, some People I know voluntarily moved into residential care precisely for the company of the other residents and the activities they offered xx
This is such an important issue, and to have been a carer myself for many years found it to be a very rewarding job. Barchester healthcare sounds wonderful x
I do tend to think of residential care in relation to older generations, but of course you’re absolutely right that it isn’t just limited to those age groups. I agree that good residential care supports emotional health and wellbeing as well as physical wellbeing. Great post.
My mum is really unwell and the discussion about residential care has come up a number of times in recent months – it’s great that you’re opening up dialogue on this x
My dad worked in a facility like this for years. His happened to be a good one, but there are so many super bad ones out there.
It was great reading about all the special and thoughtful care there is at Barchester. Safe places like this can really go a way at combating the stereotypes and previous issues people have with care homes.
I have always associated residential care with elderly people too so this was so informative and really thought provoking too. Well done you for raising awareness and writing about it with such passion, as always.
Such an important issue. It think it’s great that they are encouraging activities in their routines. It’s so sad to think of elderly people struggling with their mental health
I believe people would much rather stay in their hime if possible, but these sound like a good alternative for those who can’t.
Many people are ignorant of the fact that residential care homes cater to all ages. I was too, until I met my husband who works in Adult Social Care. It’s great to raise awareness and brilliant to see you doing so! x
That’s cool that the residential care facility was treating the elderly with dignity. My grandmother actually lived in one of those homes for quite some time. The only hard part is that they weren’t set up for things when care was a little more difficult. So my mother had to be there all the time the last year. And it’s also sad that they don’t have things for people with mental health issues.
I’ve to say this concept is not present in all parts of the world..It’s more of an awareness. Good to see the facility though..