Living Well in Care Homes

Healthwatch Redcar and Cleveland and Healthwatch Middlesbrough undertook a series of engagement activities between April and June 2025 with 11 care homes across South Tees. This work aimed to explore what makes a care home a place where residents can live well and have happy lives, while also identifying the challenges care homes face creating and sustaining such environments. 

Key findings

• A comfortable, friendly home helps residents’ wellbeing and enjoyment of life.
• Outdoor areas were of great value, but not always accessible.
• When residents helped make decisions, it made a big difference to their sense of purpose.
• Daily activities helped people feel less lonely, but some homes struggled to get everyone involved.
• Activities were varied, but money and staff shortages could regularly have an impact on their provision.
• Helping with small tasks like gardening made residents feel fulfilled.
• Kind, caring staff made a big impact.
• Events and visits helped residents stay connected, though remote homes found this harder. 
• Celebrations and trips helped residents feel included and more independent.