Project Summary

This study explored the lived experiences of older people residing in residential care homes across the United Kingdom and is one of the largest qualitative studies of its kind. A total of 125 participants took part, including 44 older residents, 27 family members, 36 care team members and 18 care home managers, from 16 residential care homes in England, Scotland and Wales. The research examined what mattered most to older people, alongside the benefits and challenges of living in residential care. Interviews covered topics such as life before and after moving into a care home, settling in, relationships, definitions of good care, and alternative care options.

A diverse range of care homes was recruited to reflect variation in location, size, inspection ratings and provision, including a small number supporting different cultures and faiths. The average age of the older adults who took part was 85 and had lived in care homes for an average of two years. The study captured diverse perspectives across gender, disability, religion and funding status, and included people with dementia who were able to consent, supported by trusted companions. Experiences of those with more advanced conditions were represented through family members and staff.

While challenges were identified, participants described many more benefits, highlighting ways in which older people can thrive in residential care.

Project Aims

Through this research our aims were to:

• Identify the wellbeing benefits of living in a care home

• Recognise the challenges of living in a care home and what can be done to foster change

• Highlight best practice in helping older people feel at home in a care home

• Understand what “good care” meant to older people and those who care for them

• Notice and highlight the ways in which older people are best able to find self-expression, autonomy and social connection within their residence at a care home

Project Methods

We were ambitious in our research design, using a qualitative research design with extensive national reach. Based on our research and discussions with ENRICH, we believe this to be the largest qualitative study examining the experiences of residential care in care homes across the United Kingdom. We recruited 16 care homes across England, Scotland and Wales, and across the care homes conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with: 44 Older people, 36 Members of the care team, 27 Family members, 18 Care home managers/Deputy managers This resulted in 125 interviews which were fully transcribed and thematically analysed. All reported data has been anonymised and participants chose their own pseudonyms.

Findings

While adjustment to communal living and loss of home were reported challenges, the majority of participants reported more benefits than difficulties to living in Residential Care. Six key themes emerged that describe how older people can thrive when the right conditions are in place:

• Thrive Relationally: Residents valued social connection, forming friendships and positive relationships with staff and family.
• Thrive Actively: Engagement in meaningful activities and community connections fostered purpose and enjoyment.
• Thrive Inclusively: Inclusive environments supported diversity in culture, faith, sexuality and identity.
• Thrive Securely: Residents felt safe and reassured, alleviating previous anxieties or unsafe home situations.
• Thrive with Dignity: Support with daily living enhanced dignity and quality of life.
• Thrive Healthily: Proactive healthcare, good nutrition and attentive support improved overall wellbeing.

The findings revealed that residential care can offer valuable opportunities for older people to flourish when relational, inclusive, secure and health-promoting environments are provided.

Outputs

The project reports can all be found here.

Our new research reveals 6 key ways that older people can thrive in a care home

In addition there are two academic publications currently under review.