Choosing the right type of care for yourself or a loved one is an important decision, and many families find themselves comparing the option of receiving private care at home with moving into nursing home. Both approaches offer valuable benefits, but the level of support, daily routine, and overall experience can differ significantly.
In this guide, we explain what each option involves, the key differences between them, and how to decide which approach may offer the most comfort, safety, and reassurance.
What Does Nursing Home Care Provide?
A private nursing home provides 24 hour support from qualified nurses and trained care staff, making it a suitable choice for those who need regular medical oversight and help with day to day tasks. This can include personal care, medication management, and physiotherapy or physical rehabilitation, as well as support for long term health conditions. Nursing homes also offer meals, meaningful activities, and a safe, structured setting where residents have continuous access to care.
At Birtley House nursing home, our nursing team are on duty around the clock to ensure residents receive reliable, attentive care whenever they need it. As a family run private nursing home in Surrey, we focus on creating a warm, close knit environment where residents, families, and staff build genuine connections and feel truly supported.
Benefits of Nursing Home Care
- 24 hour support from trained nurses and care staff
- Consistent medication management and regular monitoring
- Access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation services
- A safe, structured environment with help available at all times
- Daily activities and opportunities for social engagement
- Nutritious meals prepared on site
- A supportive community atmosphere
- Familiarity and continuity of staff (many nurses at Birtley House have been with our business for over 10 years)
- Our nursing staffing are available immediately at the push of a button
- Access to specialist support equipment such as lowering baths and hoists
At Birtley House, these benefits are supported by our private bedrooms with lift access, award winning gardens and woodland, peaceful lake, on site physiotherapy, and our family run, community focused environment.
What is Private Care at Home?
Private care at home allows people to receive support and everyday assistance while remaining in the comfort of their own surroundings. It’s often a good option for those who are mostly independent but need help with certain tasks such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, or taking medication. Home care can provide reassurance and flexibility, especially for people who feel more confident living in a familiar environment.
However, the level of support available at home is limited by how many hours a carer can visit, the type of care they are trained to provide, and the equipment they have available to assist this process i.e. hoists etc. This means it may not always be suitable for individuals with more complex or changing health needs. Additionally, if using agency staff, the member of staff coming to visit may be subject to change.
Benefits of Private Care at Home
- Staying in familiar surroundings and maintaining daily routines
- One on one support tailored around scheduled visits
- Flexible care that can be increased or reduced as needed
- Greater independence for those who only need minimal help
- Emotional comfort of remaining at home
Birtley House does not provide private care at home, but for individuals who want to retain independence while having support close by, our assisted living accommodation offers a safe, flexible middle ground, combining privacy with access to help when needed, all within our peaceful Surrey setting.
Key Differences
Nursing care at home allows individuals to stay in their own home while receiving support from visiting nurses or carers. This is ideal for people who need help with daily tasks, medication management and some clinical support, but remain mostly independent. Home care gives people flexibility and comfort of their familiar surroundings, but it can be limited in terms of round-the-clock support. Carers visit at scheduled times providing essential support, however they cannot respond straight away to any sudden changes.
Nursing care in a home on the other hand, can provide continuous support, as well as access to nurses and staff at all times. Residents have 24/7 monitoring, consistent assistance and immediate attention if any changes in health appear. They also offer routines, meals, activities and community opportunities, giving people support in one location.
At Birtley House, we keep a professional and personalised approach, our family-run environment helps residents receive consistent support tailored to their individual need, while also enjoying a calm and supportive community environment.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between private care at home and a nursing home depends on the level of support someone needs and the environment they would feel most comfortable in. Home care can suit individuals who are largely independent and want to remain in familiar surroundings, while a nursing home is often the safest choice for those who require regular medical oversight, continuous help, or a more structured setting with social opportunities and round the clock support.
The most important thing is to find the option that feels truly right for the individual and that best suits their needs and circumstances. If you’re exploring care options and would like friendly, honest guidance, the team at Birtley House is always here to help. Feel free to get in touch to learn more about our nursing care or assisted living options, or to arrange a visit to our stunning Surrey setting.