Nursing Care
The type of care that we need can change as we age, and nursing care is provided for those who need 24-hour medical care from a team of qualified, on-site nursing staff both day and night.
At Barchester, we provide nursing care in over 160 care homes across the UK - all of which have been thoughtfully designed to provide welcoming, compassionate and fulfilling environments for the people we care for.
What is nursing care?
Nursing care in a residential care home focuses on residents’ health and well-being, and is well suited for individuals that require regular or complex medical care and attention – with reassurance that a registered nurse is on-hand 24-hours a day. Personal care, including support with feeding, bathing and dressing are all included too, ensuring the very best care and quality of life is provided.
Who is nursing care for?
Nursing care is for those who require ongoing medical care as well as assistance with their day-to-day lives. Nursing care may be suited to individuals who need intensive rehabilitative care (following a stroke for example), people who need PEG feeding, or those with physical disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Planning for nursing care
Planning to move a loved one into a nursing care home can feel daunting, but there are a number of resources to help you.
Where do I start arranging nursing care?
The first step in arranging any type of care is to speak to your GP or local council about a care needs assessment. If your loved one is beginning to struggle to carry out self-care or domestic routines and is finding it difficult to look after themselves, they may be eligible for care and support.
Equally, if your loved one suffers a change in their personal circumstances - either due to a change in their care needs due to a medical condition, or if a long-term carer is no longer able to carry out their duties, residential nursing care might be the most suitable option.
When is nursing care necessary?
If your loved one has a medical condition that requires 24-hour medical care and requires support with day-to-day tasks, then a nursing home can offer them the best quality of life, whilst also ensuring full peace of mind for you and your family.
Full-time nursing care can be best for individuals with complex medical conditions, as highly-trained nurses administer on-going treatment and recognise the signs and symptoms of illnesses.
At Barchester, we also offer nursing care to those living with dementia, with dedicated Memory Lane communities, specially designed to support people living with the disease.
If an individual only requires assistance with daily living activities, they may be better suited to one of our residential care homes where they can live more independently in a residential setting.
Paying for nursing care
The cost of nursing care can vary greatly depending on care requirements. Location and other applicable factors can have an impact, but nursing care is based on an individual’s needs, and so will fluctuate depending on how much care they require.
The cost of nursing residential care also varies based on the quality of life a care home offers, including its facilities. For example, the purpose-built facilities at a Barchester care home, as well as the quality of food and daily activities provided, will have an impact on the cost of care. We ensure that every resident is treated as an individual - offering the very best quality of life to each and every person.
Care home fees include everything from the physical accommodation, food and bills, to the personalised care and physical and psychological support which naturally comes with living in a care home. You can rest assured that everything is taken care of within the cost of a Barchester care home.
You can read our full comprehensive guide to understanding the costs involved in care homes here. If you need help understanding finances, you can talk to Barchester support.
How to choose the right nursing home
Choosing the right nursing home can be a stressful and challenging time for some. It’s important to find a home for your loved one which delivers not only an excellent standard of care, but provides a high quality of life.
At Barchester, our dedicated teams ensure that those we care for have the opportunity to take part in life-enriching activities through a wide-ranging activity schedule. We ensure that those with limited mobility and independence have the opportunity to socialise and get involved - whether that’s as part of a group or individually with a staff member.
Safety and security, nutritious food, and a supportive and caring environment are other points to consider when choosing a care home with nursing.
Why choose Barchester nursing homes?
Person-centred care is at the heart of everything we offer in Barchester care homes. We have a focussed approach to individual care and support plans, taking into account an individual’s preferences and life stories.
Our homes are all designed with safety and security in mind, and are carefully crafted to include a choice of outdoor and indoor spaces with the aim of providing the best living environments possible.
Good nutrition and a positive dining experience are an important part of what we offer, as our skilled chefs cater to preferences with homely and familiar dishes. All dietary requirements are taken into consideration, and good hydration is a key focus for everyone we care for.
Activities and themed events form a part of everyday life in a Barchester nursing home - promoting positive well-being and community engagement. We’re not only here to support those in our care, but their families and friends too.
With open communication to consistently include families in their loved one’s care planning, and an open-door approach to any queries or concerns, we strive to create an environment which is safe and comfortable for everyone.
Barchester nursing homes
Our individualised approach enriches lives in more ways than the care we provide. Through understanding a person’s life story, the things they love and the things they don’t, our teams go above and beyond to ensure residents have the stimulation, variety and companionship that they need to live fulfilled lives.
Families are always involved in decision making processes, and all care and support plans are regularly reviewed and updated as a person’s care needs or personal preferences change.
Our homes are well-equipped with comfortable specialist beds, designed for residents with medical needs, and a range of equipment to aid mobility. We strive to provide safe, comfortable and welcoming environments, all tailored to meet the needs of the people we care for in mind.
All staff benefit from a complete and comprehensive learning and development package and are trained in specialist dementia care – supporting all staff members to recognise and meet the changing needs of the people in their care.
Facilities at Barchester nursing homes
We’re proud of the nursing care facilities and environments we create for the people we support. The thoughtfully curated interior design in our homes gives a warm and elegant feel, providing the best possible environment for the people we care for. Choice of lounges and cafe areas offer the perfect meeting place for welcoming visitors, including members of their local community. Many of our homes boast beautiful outdoor spaces, which are well-maintained by our committed staff and talented, green-fingered residents.
Our sociable dining rooms offer opportunity for socialising and enjoying nutritious, varied and tasty food from seasonal menus. We’re proud to have our very own chef academy where all of our talented chefs are taught to adapt their skills to a care environment. They ensure the best dining experience, catered to even the smallest appetites and all dietary requirements. Our teams make sure to offer the same positive experiences if residents wish to dine from their own bedrooms too.
Residents are supported to continue the routines and hobbies they’ve always loved, with many facilities designed with residents’ needs and preferences in mind, all easily accessible within their home – for example hair and beauty salons for a weekly spot of pampering or luxurious spa bathrooms for relaxing spa-like experiences.
Activities at Barchester nursing homes
At Barchester we celebrate life through everything we do. Life in our homes is about more than just the care required, and so our teams are trained and committed to enriching the lives of all of our residents.
Our staff take time to learn about our residents’ hobbies and passions to ensure that they’re given the opportunity to try new things and continue doing the things they’ve always loved. Family members are always involved in decision making and care plans to ensure we have a thorough overview of not only their care needs and requirements, but also the things they love the most and what’s most important to them.
Through technology, we provide sensory engagement to nurture the well-being of our residents. This allows us to offer life-enriching activities for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
Partnerships with companies such as the V&A Dundee and the English National Ballet provide live virtual experiences, tours, seminars and a variety of workshops from the comfort of our homes. Residents also have a chance to get involved in activities which encourage debate and reminiscence - something which is important for mental and social stimulation.
Meet Barchester nursing care specialists
Julia Atherton is the Director of Nursing and Dementia at Barchester Healthcare, and ensures that we continue to provide outstanding care. Having initially joined Barchester to help establish our complex services in The Hawthorns, Julia moved into a national role supporting and developing our 16 or so homes which cater for those with complex care needs across the country.
With a qualification in neuroscience nursing and experience working in regional neuroscience departments, Julia’s knowledge and expertise tie in with our passion to provide supportive and welcoming environments for the people we care for.
Julia Atherton
I have worked within the care industry for over 25 years; I started out as a carer looking after people with learning difficulties and sensory impairments. Now my focus is on the delivery of high-quality care and support to all residents in Barchester's care homes and hospitals.
Find a Barchester nursing care home near you
With over 250 residential care homes across the UK, Barchester is certain to have a residential care home to best suit the needs of your loved one. Whether it's to help with day-to-day tasks, or somewhere for them to feel comfortable and at home.
Alternatives to nursing care
If you’re not sure that nursing care in a residential home is the right choice for your loved one, there are a few alternatives you could consider.
For those living with dementia, Barchester offers specialist dementia care - offering extra support to help maintain psychological, sociological and physical well-being.
It might be that a carer or those being cared for need a short break from daily routine, and therefore respite care is a great short-term option.
Nursing care help & advice
Planning for future changes in a loved one’s life can be difficult. Whether it’s finding a home with the right facilities or understanding the type of care they might need, there are a number of helpful resources to help with your decision. All compiled in collaboration with our care experts, find everything you need here. If you still have unanswered questions or you’d like to speak to a professional, we’re always happy to have a chat either in person or over the phone.
Nursing care FAQs
What is the meaning of nursing care?
Nursing care is a type of care offered to individuals who require full-time assistance. Usually, these individuals have more complex care needs and receive 24-hour medical care from a team of on-site specially trained carers.
What does nursing care include?
Nursing care not only includes medical care and assistance with personal care, but everything that comes with living in a residential care home. In a Barchester care home, that includes thoughtfully designed living spaces, nutritious food and life-enriching activities.
What is the role of nursing care?
Nursing care is designed to offer 24-hour medical care for those with long-term health-conditions, or who may need intensive rehabilitative care. It exists to provide medical assistance and a positive living environment.
Who is involved in nursing care?
At Barchester, nursing care is delivered by our team of on-site specially trained carers who are overseen by a qualified clinical nurse. We always ensure to include families in care planning, and take the time to learn each resident’s likes, dislikes, wants and needs, so they can have an input into their care too.
Find a care home
Barchester has over 200 care facilities across the UK; each one creating a supportive and friendly environment for residents. Find a home near you and book a visit.
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Types of care
At Barchester, we treat everyone as individuals, and always tailor our services and support to meet their needs.
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Help and advice
Finding the ideal care home is a daunting task. Take a look at our dedicated help and advice section, to help make the best decision possible for yourself or a loved one.
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