Other services

Find out about services other than care homes.

Domicilary care (home care)

This type of service provides help to people in their own homes with things like preparing meals, bathing and dressing (also known as personal care). It may also provide support or a break for carers.

There are two types of home care agency:

• The first type simply acts as an employment or introductory agency which places self-employed people into employment with people who need help at home.
• The other type of agency employs, trains and supervises its own staff

The care could just be for a few hours or could be 24-hour care.

Nurses agencies

Nurses agencies send nurses to visit people at home when they need specialist or medical care, usually after leaving hospital. The frequency of the visits can vary from several times a day to once a week.

There are two types of nurses agency:

• The first type simply acts as an employment or introductory agency which places self-employed nurses into employment with people who need nursing help at home.
• The other type of agency employs, trains and supervises its own staff.

Adult placement schemes

Adult placement schemes are similar to fostering schemes but for adults rather than children.

These are locally run schemes that place between one to three adults with care or support needs with an adult placement carer. They ensure that these adults are able to enjoy an ordinary and independent life in the community and share in the family life of a carer.

Care homes (residential homes)

These homes are residential, which means people live in them either short or long term.

They provide:

• accommodation
• meals
• personal care (such as help with washing and eating).

Care homes with nursing (nursing homes)

These homes are the same as those without nursing care but they also have registered nurses who can provide care for more complex health needs.