Quality of Life in Care Homes is Important!
- 26 Oct
My Home Life gives an insight into how to improve the quality of life in care homes.
The report is a concept by Age UK, City University, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Dementia UK, discussing the ways forward to understand and improve the quality of life in care homes.
It suggests the ways to move forwards with the changing concept of social care needs, and to fit with the idea that older people have a voice, choice and control over their own lives.
The report, My Home Life, was unveiled yesterday at the National Children and Adults Services (NCAS) Conference to promote the message that many care homes fail to engage with their community and lack support from health services and local councils.
Tom Owen, co-director of the project, stressed the importance of care homes:
There is a culture within the UK of care homes being something to dread and avoid at all costs which we need to work hard to change. Care homes can provide compassionate care and companionship for many older people who are at a vulnerable stage in their lives.
While we know there is lots of good practice out there, too many care homes experience mistrust from the community and statutory services which only serves to increase their feeling of isolation and reduce their capacity to deliver a positive experience for older people.
We all may need their services one day.The main ideas put forward in the report are:
- Positive relationships in care homes enable staff to listen to older people, gain insights into individual needs and facilitate greater voice, choice and control. Relationship-centred care is at the heart of many examples of best practice.
- Care home managers play a pivotal role in promoting relationships between older people, staff and relatives. With ongoing professional development and backing from colleagues across health and social care, managers can create a culture of greater spontaneity and responsiveness where positive, informed risks can be taken within a structure of safety and accountability.
- Care home providers and statutory agencies should consider how their attitudes, practices and policies can create pressure and unnecessary paperwork which ultimately reduce the capacity of care homes to respond to the needs of older people.
- Achieving quality in care homes requires a partnership approach. Statutory bodies should work with care homes to agree a vision and identify supportive ways of working based upon mutual trust. Involvement from the local community, including advocacy projects and volunteering, can enhance voice, choice and control for older people.
- Negative stereotypes of care homes have an impact on the confidence of staff and managers. My Home Life partner organisations should consider how they can encourage more fair and balanced press coverage.
Related articles
- 25 May
CARE HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY IN ENGLAND
Almost three fourth of 372 care homes rated inadequate in 2014 and still operating have improved.205 care homes have improved from a low rating to requiring improvement, 68 are now rated good and 99...
- 24 May
NHS ADJUSTMENTS TO BUDGET CUTS
NHS trusts which have been previously rated good or outstanding will not be inspected as frequently as before, but those rated as inadequate will be regularly visited by the CQC.The Guardian reports...
- 19 Mar
Government to inspect if housing can reduce NHS costs
In the Budget document the government have said it's looking at the ‘cost-effectiveness of options to integrate spending around some of the most vulnerable groups of people.' This includes...
- 15 Oct
End of life patients are lacking support
The charity has found that almost 92% of NHS clinical commissioning groups do not provide round the clock telephone helplines, reports the BBC.Guidelines say there should be 24-hour telephone...
- 15 Sep
Social care is being limited due to council cuts
ADASS are warning that cuts are making the care system "unsustainable" with charities saying hundreds of thousands of people are struggling without help, even though the government says councils have...
- 17 Jul
Young people should not be placed in B&Bs says MPs
The Commons Education Select Committee has said that B&B accommodation is "threatening and frightening" and should only be used in emergency situations reports the BBC.MPs say that young people...
- 16 Jul
Special measures system designed to improve failing care homes
A scheme similar to special measures of hospitals will be introduced for care homes and home care agencies next year, ministers will say, reports the BBC.This will cover 25,000 services and could...
- 14 Jul
Research says that one in three Alzheimer's cases can be prevented
The research says that the main risk factors of Alzheimer's is lack of exercise, smoking, depression and poor education, reports the BBC. Alzheimer's Research UK said age was still the biggest risk...
- 10 Jul
NHS boss says those with vulnerabilities need joint health and care budget
Simon Stevens wants to see older people, those with disabilities and people with serious mental health problems given joint pots from the NHS and council-run social care services, reports the...
- 17 Jun
Council falters in reviewing autistic man’s care plan
According to Community Care:"The ruling was made by the Local Government Ombudsman after the man's mother complained that his physical and mental health deteriorated in the two-year period after...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "Found the seminar very informative and gave an interesting and full insight into current thinking about the consultation. Michael was a very engaging and knowledgeable presenter and encouraged interaction with the audience which led to further relevant points being shared with the room. I shall certinaly look out for future events!" M.E. - Care Housing Association
