Types of care

Care UK runs a number of different units and hospital to ensure each individual receives the right care in the right environment.

Low secure services

These are independent hospitals and can be for adults with a mental illness and a history of criminal behaviour. They they provide continuing treatment and rehabilitation in a safe, secure and therapeutic environment.

Step down units

Some of our hospitals are referred to as Step Down Low Secure hospitals in that they provides care and support to forensic (people who have offended) patients and are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. People in this kind of hospital will have been assessed as needing less security than a low secure forensic unit. Generally, all patients will be subject to Ministry of Justice orders of detention but will be able to have leave into the community.

Our aim is to provide each patient with the skills and support they need to return to live in the community. All patients are discharged with a tailored care package from their local services enabling them to remain increasingly independent whilst maintaining contact with their responsible care team.

Independent hospitals

An Independent hospital is a hospital that is usually run by a company such as Care UK rather than the NHS. These hospitals are monitored closely by The Healthcare Commission. There are many Independent Hospitals in the UK and the range of treatment they provide varies greatly as well. There are private healthcare hospitals, clinics and services that are advertised on TV and there are also many independent hospitals that work in partnership with the NHS and many of these are also Mental Health Units.

Within Care UK, we have 8 Independent Hospitals each providing 24 hour nursing support for people with Mental Health problems. All of these hospitals are able to provide care for people who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Residential care services

In Mental Health residential care, individuals are encouraged to live as independently as possible. The aim is to provide mental health support and enable them to acquire and develop day to day skills such as shopping, personal care, personal hygiene, preparing meals and community skills. Individuals are encouraged to access and participate in local community life, through local facilities and staff will help individuals to access any mainstream activity or hobby they are interested in. Staff will also enable and support equal opportunities, rights, customs and diversity of the individual.

Supported living services

Care UK also supports people living in a range of single or shared tenancy settings, providing between 2 and 24 hours of support a day depending on each person's needs. Mostly this kind of service will be providing support for people with various mental health problems within the safety of their own home. We encourage and support individuals to develop individual lifestyles of their own choosing. Whilst some service users require a structured day, there is ample time for a wide and varied range of social, leisure, occupational and educational activities within the local community.

For more information

If you would like to talk to us about help and support for yourself or someone you care for please contact us  or visit our Care Finder to find help closest to you.