Older people's experiences of living in a care home

Healthwatch Sheffield wanted to understand more about older people’s experience of living in a care home in order to help shape the work taking place around the provision of adult social care in Sheffield. They spoke to 16 older people living in residential and nursing care homes in Sheffield and 5 relatives of care home residents, visited 6 homes and heard about another 2 which they were unable to visit.

Their findings suggest that having the opportunity to choose which care home they moved to, as well as having choices in aspects of everyday living, such as food, was of high importance to residents. The ability to influence changes within the care home was not an opportunity that most felt was available to them, whether the changes they suggested were large or small.

Positive relationships with other residents and staff were highly important for a sense of connection and self-worth, particularly for those who had no available family or friends or for those in care homes who relied on agency staff. Whilst residents largely felt that their private rooms were adequate for their needs, most residents spoke of their wish to go outdoors and take part in activities that felt meaningful to them.

Most people reported good access to healthcare and additional services such as dentist, optician and chiropodist, whether they chose to see them or not.

There are a number of examples throughout the report where we have focussed on good practice and innovation in the care homes. One home was holding regular resident’s meetings, whilst another was facilitating friendships amongst the residents. There was also innovation in the use of space and activities in which residents took part and found stimulating.

The report contains a number of recommendations about access to healthcare, information, staffing, engagement, activities, involvement in are plans and the need to better understand the experiences of older people from black and minority ethnic groups.