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16 May 2016

Improving quality of care in your care home

- Written by Ash Bath

Improving quality of care in your care home

In a care home, the main objective is to provide a safe and caring environment for the elderly residents. However, there’s an ever-growing need to provide a superior quality of life, and this is being guided by organisations such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). So when it comes to providing an increased quality of life for residents, what factors can make all the difference? Well, here’s a few ideas…

Outside space

Exposure to natural sunlight will boost the body’s vitamin D supply, with most cases of vitamin D deficiency caused by lack of outdoor sun exposure. So when it comes to your care home, look to provide an outside space such as a garden, a decked area, or even a veranda. This access to fresh air, sunlight and the outside world will make a dramatic difference to the lives of your residents, especially if they are used to sitting indoors for long periods of time.

Leisure facilities

Health and leisure has been a growing pastime for most of the general population over the last few years, and this includes the elderly. Modern care homes that focus on quality of life now offer dedicated leisure areas that range from on-site gyms and spa access to pool tables and table tennis. By providing residents with activities and the opportunity to exercise, you give them the opportunity to remain active for much longer, while socialising in a group activity.

Accessibility

Although increased leisure facilities and access to outside space will enable residents to stay active longer, reduced mobility is simply inevitable. So, to ensure a continued quality of life, even as residents’ capabilities diminish, it’s necessary to install inclusive living solutions. These will help them retain their dignity and increase safety while receiving care and attention on a day-to-day basis. Products such as shower seats, rails and remote-control showers enable carers and employees to remain fully in control of situations, without overcrowding the elderly resident.

Style and Design

Just because care home residents are elderly, doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate good design. We all want to live in a modern and attractive home, and your residents are no different. So, try to avoid the go-to move of beige and magnolia colours, and bland and boring furniture. This goes for all aspects of the home, even down to the inclusive living products. Just because the bathroom has a grab rail, doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and appealing. Look for decorators, suppliers, and providers that understand your needs and the requirements of your residents, to avoid resorting to the ‘traditional’ solutions.

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