Care homes: important research from Healthwatch Surrey.
Surrey County Council should ensure every care home resident has access to good quality activities that meet their needs.
That’s the message from a new study of 25 care homes carried out by Healthwatch Surrey.
Overall the findings are mixed. Care home managers and staff understood the meaning of activities centered on the person’s preferences. But there was no consistency in delivery.
This research is an important contribution to the current high-profile debate about care homes.
It shows why activity-based care is essential and why dedicated Activity Coordinators should be appointed. Equally important are the help residents receive in forming relationships and the quality of care given to staff.
As in any home, it seems, friendships and enjoyment are the vital ingredients.
Watchdog calls for improvement to activities for care home residents across county, Healthwatch Surrey, 25/01/17