Common themes and learning points arising from Enter & View team visits to care homes for older people.

Key Findings

The majority of feedback illustrated a level of care that satisfied both residents and their relatives.

There were particular aspects of care that were appreciated, including:

• Variety of meals and flexibility around choices.
• Delivery of care with respect, good humour and kindness, with the “no uniform” policy being well-received.
• Regular access to GP, nursing, hospital care, hairdressing and manicure services, and awareness of their assigned key worker.

A small number of common themes arose that other care homes could use as a basis to review their own systems in order to improve the quality of life of their residents, including:

• Stimulation through planned activities and carer/resident interaction was an area with room for improvement, with some residents being bored by their level of activity. Others were frustrated at being unable to pursue their personal interests in some way, so deeper consideration of these preferences could achieve much in the way of improving day to wellbeing. There is potential to design group activities that appeal better to male residents who seemed less engaged and content with those offered.
• The importance of systematically responding to residents’ individual needs with regard to effective communication, interaction, activity and their sense of personal identity should be considered by all homes.
• Activity co-ordinators work was very much appreciated so consideration could be made into furthering this type of input to facilitate activity that promotes residents’ independence as well as a sense of community.