Experiences of older people using home care services in Bradford

Healthwatch Bradford conducted a review of home care services in the local borough to identify resident experience and good practice. The team received 240 questionnaire responses from older residents or their carers.

The review found that people valued their home care service and recognised its role in keeping them independent. Over half of respondents said that their care plan was followed. The remaining respondents felt that there was insufficient time of care worker skills to meet their care needs. For some, medication was raised as a key cause of concern. Most respondents reported that the care workers are mostly on time, however, concerns were raised about rushed visits, variable timings of care and missed visits. When delays have occurred, respondents reported poor communication about the delay or cancellations. This staff attitude was reflected in some of the interactions with residents.

The report made a number of recommendations for both home care providers and Bradford Council. The team recommends the council to consider organising care home services to encourage more choice, continuity of care and a person centred approach, and for recruitment and training of staff to be improved with minimum training requirements, and for regular reviews of services to be arranged. For service providers to ensure that users' cultural and language preferences are recorded in their care plans. It is also recommended that a common code of conduct is followed by all providers and staff, to address the issues raised about timeliness and improve information about safeguarding, by following best practice.

A response from the service provider is not included in the report.