There are a variety of adult social care services that deliver social care. Some services are run by Local Authorities or Charities but the majority are ran by independent care organisations.
Residential care home
A residential care home, often simply referred to as a care home, provides accommodation, personal care, and support services for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances.
While someone could live at a care home temporarily, most people will live at the care home for extended periods.
There are a variety of different care homes within Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, catering to a variety of different care needs.
Residential care homes are typically staffed by variety of different roles. Staff provide round-the-clock support to residents. The level of care and services offered may vary depending on the specific needs of the residents.
Residential homes will sometimes provide short stays for people. This is usually called respite and is used to give either the person or their family a break from their caring roles.
Nursing care home
A nursing care home is like a residential care home but also delivers care to people who have clinical needs.
Nursing care homes have registered nurses on staff 24/7 to administer medications, manage complex medical conditions and provide clinical oversight. Nursing care homes are equipped to care for individuals with more advanced healthcare needs, such as those recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or requiring palliative care.
Home care
Home care refers to support provided to individuals within their own homes to help them with activities of daily living, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Home care services are designed to assist individuals who may have difficulty performing tasks due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances, allowing them to remain in their own homes rather than moving to a residential care facility.
Home care services are typically delivered by carers, although nurses may visit to support with more complex needs. The level of care and frequency of visits vary depending on the individual's needs, ranging from a few hours a week to round-the-clock care for more complex needs.
The goal of home care is to enable individuals to remain in their own homes and communities while receiving the support they need to live safely, comfortably, and independently.
Supported Living
Supported living refers to a model of accommodation and support that enables individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, or other support requirements to live as independently as possible within their own homes or within shared housing arrangements. Unlike traditional residential care settings where care is provided in a communal environment, supported living offers individuals greater choice, control, and flexibility over their living arrangements and support services.
Supported living arrangements can take various forms, including:
Overall, supported living promotes the principles of autonomy, choice, and inclusion, allowing individuals with support needs to live meaningful and fulfilling lives within their communities.
Shared Lives
Shared Lives is a model of support that provides adults with disabilities, mental health needs, or other support requirements the opportunity to live as part of a family or household within the community. It offers an alternative to traditional residential care settings by matching individuals with approved Shared Lives carers who provide them with personalized care, support, and accommodation in a family-based environment.
Shared Lives provides a person-centered and community-focused approach to adult social care.
Personal Assistants
A personal assistant is an individual who provides tailored support and assistance to adults with disabilities, health conditions, or other support needs to help them live independently and access the community. Personal assistants offer a wide range of practical and emotional support services, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives and exercise choice and control over their own care and support.
Personal Assistants are often directly employed by the person they assist.
Day Opportunity
A day opportunity is a service that offers adults with adult social care needs the chance to participate in various activities and social interactions during the day. Day opportunities can be provided in different settings, such as community centers, leisure facilities, or workplaces. They can include educational, recreational, creative, or vocational activities, depending on the preferences and goals of the individual. Day opportunities aim to enhance the well-being, independence, and inclusion of adults with support needs, as well as provide respite for their carers.