What is the difference between residential care and nursing care ?
What is the difference between residential care and nursing care ?
Foxburrow Grange provides both residential care and nursing care.

Foxburrow Grange is a care home in Colchester that provides both residential care and nursing care. Routinely, those who come to be shown around Foxburrow Grange come without knowing if their loved one requires nursing or residential care. By delving a little deeper into your loved ones care needs we can advise what type of care they require ....
Why does the difference between residential care and nursing care matter? How different can they really be?
Think of residential care as providing support for daily living when medical needs are not the primary concern. Nursing care, on the other hand, provides a higher level of care that includes ongoing medical
attention from qualified nurses for individuals with more complex health conditions. The level of care required is usually determined by a care needs assessment
The most significant difference in other care homes is the care that is supported and the cost of care – but at Foxburrow Grange we prioritise quality of care for all residents, and there is no price difference.
The most significant difference in other care homes is the care that is supported and the cost of care – but at Foxburrow Grange we prioritise quality of care for all residents, and there is no price difference.
What is Residential Care ?
Residential Care is provided 24-hours a day by trained Care Assistants under the direction of a Senior Care Assistant. Commonly residents are elderly and their need for care is because of degenerative health conditions associated with ageing e.g. reduced mobility.
- Residential care is for individuals who primarily need personal care and support with daily tasks. This includes help with washing, dressing, eating, mobility, and medication reminders.
- The focus is on providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving assistance with activities they find challenging.
- Staff are trained to provide daily care and support but will not necessarily be qualified nurses who can provide complex medical care.
- It is suitable for older adults, people with disabilities, or those who can no longer live independently but do not require regular treatment from a registered nurse.
What is Nursing Care
Nursing care is provided by Registered Nurses with the support of Care Assistants, who are trained to identify changes in residents' conditions. Nursing care is provided in a residential setting whereby Registered General Nurses and Care Assistants are on hand to support 24 hours a day and care is for individuals with more complex or ongoing medical conditions and needs that require 24-hour care and monitoring by registered nurses.
In addition to the personal care offered, nursing care often includes specialised medical care such as:
- Wound care, including complex dressings.
- Monitoring vital signs.
- Managing medical devices like catheters and feeding tubes.
- Continence and stoma care.
- Post-operative care.
- Specialist equipment, such as adapted beds and hoists, to assist residents with mobility and complex needs.
Much of what is considered as nurse care in other care homes may be provided on the residential wing of Foxburrow Grange too.
Much of what is considered as nurse care in other care homes may be provided on the residential wing of Foxburrow Grange too.
While social activities are also provided in Nursing homes, the primary focus is on managing medical needs and ensuring the health and well-being of residents with more significant health challenges.
Nursing Care Costs
Unlike Foxburrow Grange nursing care costs are typically charged at a higher rate than residential care. This is due to regular nurse support, a higher staffing ratio to meet more complex needs and/or special facilities & resources.
Not everyone who requires daily support from a nurse needs 24-hour nursing care. For example, someone who requires an RGN to administer insulin twice daily may be supported in a residential home with visiting district nurses. If someone has nursing needs, there will likely be a number of healthcare professionals already involved in their care. Social Workers, Registered Nurses and Doctors will be able to inform you of whether your care needs should be continually supported by registered nurses or trained care assistants.
What is Funded Nursing Care (FNC)?
Everybody who requires nursing care is eligible for either Funded Nursing Care (FNC) or .NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
Everybody who requires nursing care is eligible for either Funded Nursing Care (FNC) or .NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
If your loved one has been assessed as requiring nursing care then they will be eligible for Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which is paid directly to the nursing home. This is a tax free, non means tested benefit. The Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for managing the NHS budget in your location. They will carry out an assessment to check your eligibility for FNC - providing all eligibility criteria is met then the payment will be made directly to the nursing home.
- Find out more about FNC here : NHS-funded nursingcare (FNC) | Eligibility and rates
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) ?
The only people who are not eligible for FNC are those who have been awarded NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) as this covers the complete cost of nursing care, again this is paid directly to the Nursing Home.
CHC is a package of care which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for people outside of hospital who have a primary and ongoing healthcare need. This type of funded care package is open to anyone who is over 18 and has an ongoing care requirement due to disability, illness or accident. Continuing Healthcare can be paid in any setting, including the person's own home or a residential care home.
- Find out more about CHC here : NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
We invite you to visit Foxburrow Grange. To meet our experienced team who can inform you further on any questions you may have, whilst also viewing and experience our care home atmosphere :
Residential Care and Nursing Care : FAQ's
Q: What is the main difference between residential care and nursing care in a care home like Foxburrow Grange?
A: The primary difference lies in the level of medical support provided. Residential care offers assistance with daily living activities for individuals whose medical needs are not the main concern. Nursing care provides this plus ongoing medical attention from qualified nurses for those with more complex health conditions. At Foxburrow Grange we provide both.
Q: How do I know if my loved one needs residential care or nursing care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: At Foxburrow Grange we assesses each individual's care needs to determine the most suitable type of care. This involves a care needs assessment also to understand the level of support required for daily living and any specific medical needs.
Q: Is nursing care more expensive than residential care at Foxburrow Grange in Colchester?
A: Interestingly, at Foxburrow Grange, there is no price difference between residential care and nursing care.
Q: What kind of support is provided in residential care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Residential care at Foxburrow Grange offers 24-hour support from trained Care Assistants under the supervision of Senior Care Assistants. This includes help with personal care like washing, dressing, eating, mobility, and medication reminders. The focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment while promoting independence.
Q: Who is residential care typically suitable for at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Residential care is generally suitable for elderly individuals or those with degenerative health conditions associated with aging, such as reduced mobility, who primarily need assistance with daily tasks but do not require constant medical attention from a registered nurse. It's also suitable for people with disabilities who can no longer live independently.
Q: What kind of medical care is provided in nursing care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Nursing care at Foxburrow Grange is delivered by Registered Nurses supported by trained Care Assistants, 24 hours a day. It caters to individuals with complex or ongoing medical conditions, offering specialized care such as wound care (including complex dressings), monitoring vital signs, managing medical devices (like catheters and feeding tubes), continence and stoma care, and post-operative care.
Q: Does Foxburrow Grange have special equipment for residents needing nursing care?
A: Yes, Foxburrow Grange has specialist equipment, such as adapted beds and hoists, to assist residents with mobility and complex needs within their nursing care provision.
Q: Are social activities provided in both residential and nursing care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Yes, social activities are provided in both residential and nursing care at Foxburrow Grange. However, the primary focus of nursing care is on managing medical needs and ensuring the health and well-being of residents with more significant health challenges.
Q: Who can help determine if my loved one needs residential or nursing care at Foxburrow Grange?A: Healthcare professionals already involved in your loved one's care, such as Social Workers, Registered Nurses, and Doctors, can provide guidance on whether their care needs require continuous support from registered nurses or trained care assistants. Foxburrow Grange can also assist with this assessment process.
Q: What is Funded Nursing Care (FNC), and is my loved one eligible at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Funded Nursing Care (FNC) is a payment provided by the NHS directly to the nursing home for individuals assessed as requiring nursing care. The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) will conduct an assessment to determine eligibility for FNC. If eligible, the payment goes directly to Foxburrow Grange.
Q: What is NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), and how does it differ from FNC in relation to care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded and arranged by the NHS for individuals outside of the hospital with a primary and ongoing healthcare need. Unlike FNC, which is a contribution towards nursing care, CHC covers the complete cost of nursing care and is also paid directly to the nursing home, like Foxburrow Grange. Individuals eligible for CHC are not eligible for FNC.
Q: Does Foxburrow Grange provide any aspects of nursing care within its residential wing?
A: Much of what is typically considered nursing care in other homes can provided on the residential wing of Foxburrow Grange.
Residential Care and Nursing Care at Foxburrow Grange Related FAQ's :
Q: What are the key indicators that my loved one might need nursing care rather than residential care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Key indicators can include the presence of complex medical conditions requiring regular monitoring and intervention by registered nurses, the need for specialised medical procedures like wound management or catheter care, reliance on medical devices, or a recent hospital stay requiring ongoing medical support.
Q: How often are the care needs of residents reviewed at Foxburrow Grange to ensure they are receiving the right type of care?
A: Care homes like Foxburrow Grange typically conduct regular reviews of residents' care needs. The frequency may vary depending on the individual's condition but often occurs monthly, quarterly, or following any significant change in their health or abilities. This ensures they continue to receive the most appropriate level of care.
Q: Can someone move between residential care and nursing care within Foxburrow Grange if their needs change?
A: Yes, at Foxburrow Grange we understand that care needs can evolve. We may also facilitate the transition between residential and nursing care within the same wing to if a resident's needs increase or decrease, to minimising disruption and allow them to remain in a familiar environment.
Q: What qualifications do the staff have in the residential care wing at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Staff in the residential care unit at Foxburrow Grange are trained Care Assistants, working under the direction of Senior Care Assistants. They are qualified to provide personal care and support with daily living activities, and they receive ongoing training in areas relevant to the needs and understanding of residents conditions.
Q: What qualifications do the nurses have in the nursing care unit at Foxburrow Grange?
A: Our nursing care wing at Foxburrow Grange is staffed by Registered Nurses (RGNs). These are qualified healthcare professionals who have completed extensive medical training and are registered with and regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. They are skilled in providing complex medical care, administering medications, and monitoring health conditions. They are supported by trained Care Assistants.
Q: How does Foxburrow Grange involve families in the care planning process for their loved ones?
A: At Foxburrow Grange we recognise the importance of family involvement. We work in partnership with families to develop and regularly review care plans, ensuring they are person-centered and always meet the individual's needs and preferences. This often involves meetings, regular communication, and opportunities for families to provide input.
Q: Are there specific visiting hours at Foxburrow Grange for residents in residential and nursing care?
A: We aim to be as flexible as possible with visiting hours to allow residents to maintain connections with their loved ones. However, we ask that visitors respect the daily routines and needs of all residents.
Q: What types of social activities are typically offered to residents in both residential and nursing care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: At Foxburrow Grange we offer a wide range of social activities designed to promote well-being and engagement. This includes arts and crafts, music therapy, gentle exercise classes, games, social gatherings, and outings, tailored to the varying abilities and interests of residents in both residential and nursing care.
Q: What happens if a resident's health deteriorates significantly while in residential care at Foxburrow Grange?
A: If a resident's health deteriorates in residential care, we would typically conduct a reassessment of their care needs. If these needs now require nursing care, we would aim to facilitate a move to their nursing care unit, if appropriate and with the involvement of the resident and their family. We would also liaise with relevant healthcare professionals.
Q27: How does Foxburrow Grange manage medication for residents in residential care compared to nursing care?
A: In residential care, trained Care Assistants typically assist with medication reminders and may administer pre-packaged medications under the guidance of senior staff and in accordance with care plans. In nursing care, Registered Nurses are responsible for the administration of all medications, including more complex medications and injections, and for monitoring their effects.
Q: What are the staffing ratios like in the residential and nursing care wings at Foxburrow Grange?A: Staffing ratios are typically different between residential and nursing care wings to reflect the varying needs of residents. Our Nursing care wings generally have a higher ratio of qualified nurses to residents due to the more complex medical needs. Residential care wings will have a higher ratio of Care Assistants to provide personal care and support. Specific ratios can vary depending on the time of day and the individual needs of the residents.
Q29: How does Foxburrow Grange cater to residents with dementia in both their residential and nursing care settings?A: Foxburrow Grange likely has staff trained in dementia care and may have specific strategies or environments to support residents with dementia in both their residential and nursing units. This could include adapted living spaces, specialized activities, and person-centered care approaches to manage the unique challenges associated with dementia.
Q: What is the process for arranging a visit or tour of the residential and nursing care facilities at Foxburrow Grange in Colchester?
A: We love to show peoiple around our care home, to meet our experienced team who can inform you further on any questions you may have, and experience our care home facilities and atmosphere :