What is it like living in a care home

For many, the idea of living in a care home brings up mixed feelings—ranging from curiosity about daily life to concerns about receiving quality care.   

If you are looking for a care home, you may be wondering, what is it like living in a care home and will I feel comfortable and supported? 

This blog aims to demystify life in a care home, offering a clear picture of what residents experience each day.   

With insights into the care, companionship, and routines on offer, this guide will help you feel confident about what life in a care home really means.

What considerations to look at before moving into a care home

Choosing the right care home is a big decision, so it’s important to carefully consider several factors to ensure the best possible environment for you or your loved one. Here are some key aspects to review and evaluate before making the move:

Level of care and support needed

Determine the level of care required, whether it's basic personal support, nursing care, or specialised care, such as dementia support. You should consider the staff’s qualifications and the type of assistance they can offer. If regular medical attention is needed, check if the home has on-site nursing staff, visiting GPs, or partnerships with local healthcare providers to meet ongoing health needs.

Quality and reputation of the care home

Research the care home’s reputation through official inspection reports, online reviews, and recommendations from healthcare professionals or friends and family. Look for care homes that meet national standards and hold certifications from respected regulatory bodies, as this often indicates a high level of care quality and resident wellbeing.

Autumna has its own rating system known as OpenScore, which is an independent score out of 10. The score ranks care providers on a number of different considerations such as dining choices, live reviews, transparency of cost, infection control, and more.

Facilities and care environment

A care home’s facilities and environment play a major role in creating a comfortable, supportive setting for residents. Many care homes offer a range of room types, from private ensuites to shared spaces, allowing residents to personalise their rooms and make them feel more like home.

Common areas, such as lounges, dining rooms, and activity rooms, provide social spaces where residents can relax, interact, and enjoy communal activities. Outdoor spaces, like gardens or patios, also contribute significantly to wellbeing, offering residents a peaceful area for fresh air, light exercise, or simply connecting with nature.

Other care homes offer therapy or spa rooms, in-house cinemas, restaurants and much, much more.

Social activities

Social engagement is a core part of life in a care home, with a wide range of activities designed to cater to diverse interests and abilities. Care homes often have daily and weekly schedules filled with enjoyable options like arts and crafts, music sessions, group games, and fitness classes, keeping residents mentally and physically active.

For those who enjoy quieter hobbies, there may be dedicated spaces for reading, puzzles, or gardening. Social gatherings, movie nights, and festive events give residents opportunities to bond and create friendships, helping to alleviate loneliness and improve overall happiness.

Staff

When asking yourself the question, ‘what is it like to live in a care home?’ one of the most important considerations is the experience and skills of the staff members who work there.

The quality of care and support in a care home largely depends on its staff, who provide the backbone of day-to-day care. Experienced, compassionate staff members, including carers, nurses, and activity coordinators, create a nurturing environment by catering to each resident’s unique needs.

They assist with personal care, administer medication, and support residents in maintaining their independence, always with a respectful and empathetic approach. Staff training is key, as it ensures team members are equipped with the skills to provide high-quality care, especially in homes with special needs such as dementia care. Additionally, open communication between staff, residents, and families builds trust and peace of mind, and helps to promote a warm and secure atmosphere.

What is it like living in a care home?

Living in a care home offers a blend of support, community, and daily routines designed to cater to the needs of older adults, while promoting a sense of independence and wellbeing. What it is like living in a care home will vary depending on the specific care home in question, but there are some common elements. We discuss these in more detail below.

Community

A major benefit of living in a care home is the sense of community it offers. Many homes create a welcoming environment where you can engage in a variety of social activities, such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, or group outings.

Shared meals in communal dining rooms also encourage interaction, making it easier to form new friendships and reduce feelings of isolation. For those with limited mobility or health conditions, care homes often provide adapted spaces and activities to ensure everyone can participate and stay active.

Relaxing environment

Many care homes have dedicated spaces for relaxation, including lounges, gardens, and outdoor areas, where residents can enjoy some peace and quiet or spend time with family and friends. These environments aim to create a homely atmosphere, offering comfort and familiarity while still ensuring that residents’ needs are met.

Health assessments

Living in a care home also means having access to regular health assessments and medical support, which is especially beneficial for those with ongoing health conditions or who require specialised care, such as dementia care. With staff members who are trained to handle various medical needs, you can feel secure knowing that your health is being monitored and that support is available when required.

Ultimately, living in a care home provides a balance of care, companionship, and independence, offering a safe and nurturing environment that allows you to live with dignity and engage in meaningful activities.

While the experience is different for everyone, many find that the support and sense of community they receive helps them feel more secure and content in their later years.

Overview of life in a care home

So exactly what is it like living in a care home?

Well, this will largely depend on your preferences and the specific care home you have chosen.

While most care homes offer a blend of personalised care, community engagement, and a secure environment, different care homes vary in terms of the social activities, amenities and provisions on offer.

This is why it is important to ensure that your chosen care home has all of the facilities you need to make your life there a happy, healthy and fulfilling one.

Autumna can make the process of selecting the right care home much easier. All you have to do is visit our directory and enter your chosen area to see a list of care homes in your locality.

You can then filter care homes by the type of care they specialise in, the price and availability.

Furthermore, our additional filters button lets you filter providers based on a wide range of factors, such as activities offered, amenities, room features, and more.

If you would like to view a list of care homes in your area that are specifically tailored to your requirements, you can get this by filling out our online form. Alternatively, you can speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01892 335 330 to find out more.