Despite the many negative stories about the current state of the UK’s care home industry; there are also indications that some of these facilities have taken the recommendations of the Care Quality Commission to heart.
The key essential demanded by the CQC is ‘the need for care homeowners to treat people with respect and dignity and to involve them in decisions about their care’. Many new operating companies throughout the UK, including Gracewell Healthcare have taken on board the CQC recommendations and have introduced a ‘boutique hotel style’ type of care into the new generation of homes. This model ensures respect for both patient and staff alike and believes that treatment of the residents as individuals greatly enhances the lives of all.
Team spirit is also one of the successful ingredients that has been introduced into the mix. For example, the introduction of Care Awards given by the respective care home to a resident whom the staff believe has demonstrated the greatest contribution helps all residents realise that they are valued members of their own society.
Surroundings are absolutely vital, the gloomy image of a group of older people left in front of a blaring TV irrespective of personal choice or taste is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The new generation of care homes realises that the greater the stimulation and range of activities for residents, the happier both staff and residents will become.
Increasingly proprietors of these establishments are seeking the advice of dementia specialists in a bid to make the lives of people suffering from this condition, therapists and trained staff are being employed across the UK in order to enhance the lives of these patients. Memory boxes have proved highly successful, as have art and music classes. It’s far better to be busy than just to snooze one’s days away. Sensory gardens with wheelchair access are also proving to be a great success. Another excellent idea is the provision of raised beds so that those who have mobility problems are still able to smell the roses.
An estimated 820,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia and there care should be one of paramount importance. Healthcare professionals suggest that this figure equates to someone in this country being diagnosed with the condition every 3.2 minutes. With the high incidence of this condition it’s vital that those care homes that do not embody a regime of care and sensitivity realise that they may be increasing the sadness and despair of this group of patients. Extra stimulation for all care home residents can be provided by kinterction with young people from local schools, both generations will benefit from this type of community involvement.
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