Care Homes for People with Mental Health Conditions

People who have mental health conditions live in a variety of settings according to their wishes and personal needs. These options can range from independent living or homesharing, (where a person shares their house with a volunteer or someone who provides care as a form of rent), through to living in group homes, or living in residential or nursing care homes.

There are many terms and definitions used for types of social care, including ‘care home, ‘residential home’ and ‘nursing home’.  Generally speaking, ‘Care Home’is the umbrella term and refers to residences which may provide accommodation along with personal or nursing care for people with mental health conditions which may include depression and Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Personality Disorders.  Some care homes will provide care and support for people who were previously detained under the Mental Health Act, or who are part of a Community Treatment Order (CTO) as part of the Mental Health Act conditions.

A care home providing residential care for people with mental health conditions will provide personal care for the resident throughout the day and night.  This can involve help with washing and dressing, provision of meals and help with eating, and helping a resident get to the toilet.  Residential care homes are ideal for a person who needs some support but who has a level of independence and a certain ability to tend to their own needs.

A care home providing nursing care for people with mental health conditions goes one step further with the degree of care provided.  It will provide accommodation and personal care but also provides qualified nursing – in fact by law, nursing homes have to have a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours a day.  Nursing care homes tend to be more expensive due to the additional cost of nursing care.

Both residential and nursing care homes often provide care for a specific age or type of mental health condition.  Many will have been adapted to meet the needs of the residents, with equipment to support and aid independence, along with specific activities and events, secure areas if appropriate and specially trained staff.

Care homes can be run by private companies (individuals or larger groups), charities or local authorities.  Whoever owns them, all care homes should be registered and monitored by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Mark Sadler