Residential homes, nursing or respite: Choose the right care home for you

We are living longer than ever before, with life expectancy rising year after year thanks to better lifestyles and advances in medical technology. In the past three decades the number of people in the UK aged 90 and above has almost tripled, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics.

However living longer presents its own challenges. Although we all dream of enjoying a comfortable retirement where we live independently in our own homes what happens when we need the help of others to deal with the health problems of old age such as dementia or osteoporosis?
Although we are often reluctant to think about it many people will need care at some point.
The word "care" covers a wide range of services from having a care worker visiting for an hour or two every day to going to live in a home after being unable to carry on independently.
It can also be difficult to work out whether someone we know - friends, family or loved ones - needs assistance and equally tough to make the decision that they can no longer live on their own.
The type of assistance people need can change significantly over time
It's never too early to start thinking about the financial, logistical and emotional issues that could arise if you or a relative need care.
In some cases, following an operation or a serious health problem for example, it will be obvious that support is needed.
At other times a gradual deterioration in health and independence can make it difficult to know when to look for an At other times a gradual deterioration in health and independence can make it difficult to know when to look for an alternative.
Often the decision is made in the heat of the moment following a fall or a bout of ill-health and without time to consider all the options.
If possible start by talking to your GP or your relative's GP for guidance. Then ask your local authority for a care needs assessment to make clear what help is needed and provide an idea of what financial aid you or your loved one is entitled to.
To help steer you through the maze the Daily Express has published a free guide to Elderly Care in association with private healthcare provider Bupa.
It can help answer any questions you may have about the types of care available and how it can be funded.
The type of care people need can significantly change over time as their health deteriorates or improves.
These are the main types available:
CARE AT HOME
If you or your relative can manage alone for most of the time but need help with daily tasks such as washing and preparing meals you or your local authority may decide that having care workers visit a few times a day is sufficient.
RESIDENTIAL CARE
For those unable to live independently on their own care homes provide rooms, meals and personal care such as help with washing and dressing.
NURSING CARE
If health problems require constant medical attention nursing care should be made available in a care home or in your own home.
RESPITE OR SHORT-TERM CARE
In many cases residential care may be needed only temporarily. For example if a carer needs some time off the person they are caring for may go into a residential or nursing home for a few days or weeks.
Short-term or short-stay care may also be useful for those who are recovering from illnesses or operations.
It may also give someone who is thinking about going into a care home an insight into what life would be like there.
DEMENTIA CARE
As the number of people living with dementia increases more and more homes are specialising in looking after people with these conditions.
Depending on the severity of the condition these could be nursing homes or residential homes.
PALLIATIVE CARE
For terminal conditions palliative care in hospices or care homes can help relieve pain.
CHOOSING A CARE HOME
Whether you are paying for care yourself or relying to some extent on local authority funding you should have a choice about which care home you go into.
So what do you and your relatives need to bear in mind when making a decision? A key point is whether the home offers the kind of care needed. Some homes specialise in looking after people living with dementia for example.
The needs assessment carried out by your local authority should identify the specific care that should be provided for you or your relative, as well as whether the support of trained nurses will be needed.