‘Stop-watch’ care home visits, lack of transparency of life in a care home since lock down, fear, occupational deprivation and boredom and the rising burden of insurance bills …..

Good end of life care as many residents go into care homes so much later and only have up to two years on average. This requires a whole person approach that is resident centred where relatives are significant guardians of what matters to people living in care homes during these times. Feeling involved is fundamental to the relative’s sense of wellbeing. Feeling connected with families, as we know is central to many a care home resident’s sense of belonging and personhood. Many homes are doing great work in this arena. …and of course we cannot leave out the staff who must also have their needs understood so they can continue to deliver the best care possible.

This is what research says are the outcomes that matter to relatives to ensure the resident is the centre of care rather than the wider system.

Measures relatives use to judge their experience of a good care home

• Welcoming ambience of the home

• Effective communication among resident, staff, managers, and relatives – (relationship triangle)

• Being fully informed of events affecting residents well being (where resident wishes this)

• Able to raise concerns and complaints on behalf of the resident without fear of retaliation

• Welcomed to continue caring role, involved in decisions, and in the community life of the home

Ref 360 SF ( link to care home toolkit)

Duff, Hurtley 2011

Unfortunately for care homes the fear of increasing insurance and other uncertainties mitigate against their primary focus. The quicker we can make it easier for care homes the better. This requires Government urgent attention to the Green Paper.