Types of Care. Breakdown the Descriptions of Different Types of Care.

This Article is part of our series on Home Care. Check out our full guide to home care here.

Caring is a pretty generic term for a huge variety of different specialisations. In this article, we’re going to break down the various types of care that someone might be referring to when they talk about a carer. We hope that you find this breakdown of the types of care helpful!

It can be tricky to understand what people mean when they describe different types of care as multiple care types could be applied to a single situation.

For Example, a carer could be providing live-in respite dementia personal care. or domiciliary ongoing companionship Mental Health care.

In general though, we can group these specific types based on four categories:

1. Care Formats – When and how care is provided, e.g. In the home, in a facility
2. Care Reasons – Why the care is being provided and how long it should go on for
3. Care Level – What level of care is being provided, e.g. tea and biscuits through to intensive nursing
4. Care Conditions – Specific conditions may describe the type of care. Useful if the condition requires specific training

Care Formats Types

I’ve grouped these care descriptions as “Formats”. These types of care are definitions for the location and schedule that care should be provided.

Domiciliary/Hourly Care

Domiciliary care is what most of us think about when we consider a carer. These men and women spend their days visiting the homes of multiple clients throughout the day. It’s a busy but vital job that gives those with limited care requirements the help they need at the most critical times of the day.

Read our full article on hourly care here.

Live-in Care

Live-in Care involves a carer moving into a spare room in a client’s home so they can be there throughout the day to help with personal care and mostly keep an eye on the client. This type of care is common for those suffering from Dementia that can cause themselves harm through forgetfulness with medication or cooking. Live-in care is usually an ongoing arrangement where breaks are provided by a schedule of multiple carers working weeks on and weeks off.

Read our full article on live-in care here.

Care Home Care

This type of care is provided in a facility designed to care for multiple patients simultaneously. Typically we call these care homes or nursing homes. It’s financially efficient because a team of carers can care for a larger group of people when they are within proximity.

Care Reason Types

Respite Care

Respite care is a type of care that families can seek out when they need a break from caring for their loved ones. Respite care can occur at a care home/facility, or it might be carried out in the client’s home. It’s common for those with long-term illnesses or disabilities where the normal carer is a spouse or other close family member. This type of care usually lasts for short bursts of a week or two when required.

Convalescence Care

Convalescence care is a form of temporary care that allows a patient to recover from an illness or surgery. It can often be provided as part of an NHS continuing care package, but some families invest in convalescence care in the short term to allow their loved ones to get back up to speed quicker.

Ongoing Care

Ongoing care is generally required for older people with long-term health illnesses like dementia and for younger disabled people that need additional help to maintain their independence. It generally refers to any sort of care that will be permanent for an extended period.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is a type of care provided to clients reaching the end of their lives. It may be required in the final months or weeks of someone’s life and can help to ease the burden on their close family.

Care Level Types

Companionship Care

Companionship care is the least intensive form of care. It’s mostly a way to stimulate those unable to reach their usual social circle due to ill health or a change in circumstances. This type of care will usually involve chatting with the client, playing games and maybe preparing some light snacks.

Personal Care

The next level of care would be personal care. Personal care is any sort of task that helps the client with daily functioning. This can be things such as assistance with dressing, toileting, bathing or assistance with eating. It’s basic help with your daily functions that you might struggle to maintain due to a lack of mobility or mental capacity.

Nursing Care

Nursing Care is reserved for clients that need round-the-clock support from one or more people. These individuals will have intensive medication schedules, catheters, ventilators or other requirements requiring significant support. While nursing care can be provided in a client’s home, it’s more common to be provided in a nursing home or in a hospital.

Care Condition Types

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care

Dementia is a condition that tends to affect elderly people and causes issues with memory, physical movement and emotions. It’s making the

Specialist Dementia care is focused on those suffering from physical and emotional issues caused by Dementia.

Elderly Care

Elderly care is a vital form of support that is dedicated to aiding older adults with their physical, emotional, and social needs. It is distinctive in that it is tailored to the specific requirements of a maturing population, such as providing assistance with everyday activities, controlling long-term health issues, and offering emotional and mental assistance. Furthermore, elderly care encompasses providing company and socialization prospects and encouraging physical exercise and cognitive stimulation. This specialised care helps to guarantee that elderly individuals can age with poise and autonomy, allowing them to live as independently as possible.