When considering housing options in later life, many people come across the terms retirement home and care home. While both are designed for older people, they serve very different purposes. They differ in the level of support they provide, the types of care available, the level of independence they offer, their environment, facilities, and cost. Understanding these differences can help you or your loved one choose the option that best suits your needs, budget, lifestyle, and future plans.
What is a retirement home?
A retirement home, often referred to as retirement living or a retirement village, is designed for older people who want to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of living in a supportive community. Retirement homes are private properties situated within a managed community, with security and safety measures in place.
Residents live in their own private apartment or bungalow and manage their day-to-day lives much as they would in any other home, while enjoying access to on-site amenities and social activities. Retirement homes are also popular with people looking to downsize and reduce household maintenance responsibilities, as site and grounds maintenance is typically included.
Some of the key features of retirement homes include:
- independent living in a private home.
- opportunities to socialise with people at a similar stage of life.
- apartments and communal spaces designed with older people in mind.
- access to facilities such as lounges, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, gardens, and activity rooms.
- flexible purchasing options, including leasehold ownership, rental, and shared ownership.
- low-maintenance living, with site and grounds maintenance included through service charges or community fees.
- optional care and support services for residents who may need some assistance.
- responsibility for household bills and council tax, just as in any other home.
Retirement living with St Monica Trust
St Monica Trust offers retirement villages for people aged 55+ across Bristol, North Somerset, and Keynsham. Our retirement homes are located in both urban and rural settings, offering options to suit different lifestyles. Residents can choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available through leasehold ownership, rental, and shared ownership. Couples are welcome, and our apartments are designed for either sole or dual occupancy.
Our retirement villages feature excellent facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, hair salons, on-site restaurants, and cafés, helping residents stay active and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Each village also has a dedicated Village Engagement Co-ordinator who organises activities, classes, events, parties, and social opportunities to help residents build friendships and stay connected.
Every village has a range of security measures, including discreet CCTV and staff on-site 24 hours a day, providing reassurance and peace of mind. Some villages also have main gates that are closed overnight for additional security.
If you need care and support, our dedicated team offers flexible services tailored to your individual requirements, whether you need help around your home or more complex support.
Each village also has a dedicated Pastoral Care Co-ordinator for people of all faiths, regardless of ethnic origin or religious affiliation. They arrange regular opportunities for worship and occasions to enrich and nurture spiritual well-being.
For added peace of mind, St Monica Trust offers guaranteed buy back arrangements on retirement properties. When a resident leaves, we will buy back the property, removing the stress and worry of selling it on the open market for you or your family.
What is a care home?
A care home provides accommodation, personal care, and support for people who need assistance with daily living. Unlike retirement homes, care homes are designed for individuals whose care needs can no longer be met safely at home.
There are several types of care homes, including:
- Residential care homes
- Nursing care homes
- Dementia care homes
Residential care homes provide accommodation and personal care for people who need help with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating, mobility, and taking medication. They are suitable for people who no longer wish to live independently but do not require regular nursing care.
Nursing care homes provide the same personal care as residential care homes, with the addition of 24-hour nursing care delivered by registered nurses. They are suitable for people with more complex health conditions who require ongoing medical care, clinical monitoring, or specialist nursing support.
Dementia care homes provide specialist care for people living with dementia, including conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Staff are specially trained to support residents with memory loss, communication difficulties, and changes in behaviour. Care is tailored to each individual's needs, helping residents remain as independent as possible while providing the supervision and support they require in a safe and secure environment.
Care home residents typically have their own room and benefit from organised social activities, outings, nutritious meals, and personalised care. Rather than purchasing a property, residents pay fees that cover accommodation, care, and support.
Care homes with St Monica Trust
St Monica Trust provides a range of care services across Bristol, North Somerset, and Keynsham, including residential, nursing, dementia, respite, and end of life care.
We offer residential care at our Charterhouse care home. Our friendly and supportive team provide personal and practical support to make it easy for you to continue enjoying your life the way you want to. We provide beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms and you have the opportunity to socialise within our vibrant communal areas.
We offer Nursing care at each of our four specially designed homes. Our registered nurses are on hand 24 hours a day on every nursing unit to provide personal care tailored to your needs, supported by medication-trained colleagues who administer medication safely to our residents.
Dementia care is available in all four of our specially designed care homes. Our specialist team spend time getting to know our residents as valued individuals so that we can offer tailored support to help you get the most out of life. There’s a varied programme of accessible activities to pick and choose from, excellent food on offer and plenty of good company.
Our care teams deliver personalised support tailored to each resident's needs, helping them maintain their dignity, comfort, and quality of life. We regularly review each resident's care plan to ensure it continues to meet their changing needs.
Residents also have access to additional services, including free physiotherapy. Every St Monica Trust care home has a dedicated therapy team on-site, working proactively with residents to enhance mobility, independence, and well-being. Unlike many other care providers, there are no additional charges for physiotherapy and occupational therapy at St Monica Trust.
Each care home has a dedicated Well-being Co-ordinator who organises activities, classes, events, parties, and social opportunities to help residents build friendships and stay connected.
Each care home also has a dedicated Pastoral Care Co-ordinator for people of all faiths, regardless of ethnic origin or religious affiliation. They arrange regular opportunities for worship and occasions to enrich and nurture spiritual well-being.
Which option is right for you?
Although both options are designed for older people, there are some important differences.
Independence
Retirement homes are ideal for people who can live independently and want to retain control over their daily routines. Care homes provide more structured support for those who need regular assistance. If you can manage daily life with minimal support while enjoying an active social life and access to on-site amenities, a retirement home may be the right choice.
Level of support
For those who require regular assistance with daily activities such as washing, dressing, or taking medication, as well as those who need more intensive care or nursing support, a care home is likely to be the better option. They are also well suited to individuals with complex health needs that can no longer be managed safely at home or who would benefit from 24-hour support and supervision. In contrast, retirement homes focus primarily on independent living, with additional care available if required.
Maintenance lifestyle
If you'd like to spend less time on property maintenance, downsizing to a retirement home could be an ideal choice. With site and grounds maintenance taken care of, you can enjoy the benefits of owning or renting your home without the responsibility of maintaining it, giving you more time to focus on the things you enjoy.
Socialising and community living
If you're looking to stay socially active or build new friendships, a retirement village offers a welcoming community with plenty of opportunities to get involved. From organised activities and fitness classes to events, residents can enjoy an active social life while still having the privacy of their own home.
Costs and ownership
In a retirement home, residents may own, rent, or part-own their property. If they own their home, they may be able to sell it later or pass its value on to beneficiaries. At St Monica Trust, guaranteed buy back arrangements are available, meaning we will purchase the property when the resident leaves, avoiding the stress and worry of selling on the open market.
In a care home, residents pay fees that cover accommodation and care services, and they do not own the accommodation.
Affordability
The pricing structures also differ. In a care home, residents typically pay a single fee covering accommodation and care. In a retirement home, costs may include the purchase price (where applicable), monthly service charges, council tax, utility bills, and any additional care services required. It is important to assess affordability and compare costs carefully before making a decision.
Future needs
Consider your long-term needs before making your decision. Even if you are independent now and choose to move into a retirement home, your support needs may change over time. It is important to choose a provider that can continue to support you or help you transition to a higher level of care if needed.
At St Monica Trust, all four of our care homes are located within our retirement villages, making it easier for residents to move into a care home if their needs change in the future.
The choice between a retirement home and a care home largely depends on your level of independence, care needs, and lifestyle preferences. Retirement homes offer the freedom of independent living within a supportive community, while care homes provide dedicated care and assistance for those who need it.
If you're unsure which option is right for you, speak to our team. We can help you explore the options available and plan for the future with confidence.
St Monica Trust care homes
Contact our Care Home Team for any enquiries regarding St Monica Trust care homes.
Tel: 0117 919 4263
St Monica Trust retirement villages
Contact our Sales Team for any enquiries regarding St Monica Trust retirement villages.
Tel: 0117 919 4257
