Experience in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Healthwatch Sutton carried out surveys to capture the experiences of care home residents, their friends and family, and care home staff during the pandemic.

Four surveys were developed for residents, residents with learning disability, friends and family, and staff. A total of 248 surveys were collected between 9 March and 25 May 2021.

The findings are overall positive, with residents perceiving the pandemic to have had little impact on the quality of care received and their experience of care. Almost all residents felt safe and felt that they had been given the opportunity to speak to friends and family via phone or video call. Almost all residents considered vaccine arrangements to be poorly managed.

Friends and family perceived their loved ones to be safe and reported little change from pre- to post-pandemic care, however visits were impacted considerably with a lack of physical contact and other restrictions.

Staff generally agreed that they had been able to access COVID-19 tests and PPE, however there were concerns over the mental health and wellbeing services and safety at work during the pandemic.

Recommendations will be developed based on the key findings in consultation with key stakeholders.