Care Homes, Day Services and Supported Living Services - all the same?
In the care sector, you'll hear many different terms about job roles and environments. Often, they help you understand who is being cared for or supported, what kinds of needs they have and when they receive support. Three of the most common ones that you'll hear are care homes, supported living services and day services.
While there might be some areas of overlap, it's important to note that these are three different environments, with requirements, functions and duties that vary. Let's take a look at what each one involves and how care work is carried out. Plus, we'll explore why the sector has these different services.
Why Care and Support Has Different Services
One of the main differences between the care services available is the structure. It affects the experience for the people being supported and, most importantly, it allows for different levels of care.
Care and support has these services with different structures because people's needs aren't all the same. Care homes, supported living services and day services allow people to get support even when they have varying levels of independence.
People who need a higher level of care can require support at different times of the day, with more routines and procedures in place to protect their well-being. Those who are slightly more independent, might need support with specific tasks while maintaining more autonomy.
Those who require a lower level of care can receive support outside of their home environment to enhance their well-being. This type of support creates another kind of structure and encourages a different level of self-sufficiency.
What Are Care Homes?
Care Homes are residential facilities that provide 24/7 care, supervision and support for people. Many people with similar levels of care needs live together and are supported by a team of care workers. They provide structure, routine and processes that ensure the wellbeing of the residents. People in care homes might need a higher level of care.
The service includes care and accommodation. Residents have private rooms but typically share communal areas for dining, socialising and recreation. Care homes have trained staff to help with personal care, medication and activities. Social interactions happen within the care home.
What Do Workers in Care Homes Do?
Care homes are able to offer their services thanks to teams of workers. Within that team are care assistants, senior care assistants, managers, registered nurses and activities coordinators. They might also have visits from dieticians and other healthcare professionals, such as GPs, physiotherapists, dentists and counsellors.
The care team, which includes care assistants and senior care workers, support residents with daily activities and personal care. That can include support with bathing, dressing, administering medication and eating and drinking. Senior roles also create care plans, liaise with family members and conduct training.
What Are Day Services?
Day services are usually provided in a centre. As the name suggests, services are provided during the day. Care and activities don't happen in people's homes but in one external location in the community, usually between set hours. People with the specific needs are often referred by their GP or can self-refer. The services are mostly designed for those who require a lower level of care.
The centres can focus on specific groups or needs, such as older people. They provide practical support as well as opportunities to socialise. Other services can be run from the centre, such as hairdressing or assisted bathing. Most activities have a social aspect, such as quizzes, arts, gentle exercise and day trips.
What Do Day Service Workers Do?
Day services and day centres are run by trained staff and volunteers. Some services have a minibus that transports people from their homes to the centre. Many also provide meals.
The team can include drivers, care and support workers and managers. While some medication administration and personal care support is provided, the majority of the activities are social. Creativity and engagement are key. Tasks can include planning and conducting activities and managing safety and wellbeing at the centre or on day trips.
What Are Supported Living Services?
Supported living services are for people with varying levels of support needs. People live in self-contained environments, which can include spaces adapted for their needs. In many cases, several supported living homes or flats are grouped together.
Features of these services can include emergency call buttons and other safety measures to support autonomy with help at hand when necessary. Supported living services include regular teams of support workers for assistance with daily tasks. This structure gives people more control over their routine, meals and other activities.
What Do Supported Living Service Workers Do?
These services require teams with different areas of expertise and support workers help with a range of activities. Service managers coordinate the support provided, manage staff and plan activities.
An example of a supported living service might be a house on a residential street providing support to adults with learning disabilities. Your day might involve supporting people with daily duties such as personal care, meal preparation, accessing the community such as visiting the shops or activities. You may also support people to manage their own finances.
Many Ways to Provide Care
The variations in services, environments and needs means that care and support work is diverse. Most of these services require teams of people with different areas of expertise. It means than your skills can play a role, but also that there is plenty of potential for a fulfilling career.
The care sector is structured to provide support for people with high, medium and low level needs. As a care and support worker, activities coordinator or manager, you'll need to adapt to meet requirements and focus on wellbeing and helping people maintain as much independence and quality of life as possible.
Which care and support setting do you think you'd enjoy being in most? Find all types of settings on our jobs page.