Promoting control and interdependence for those living in care homes by establishing ‘friends of care home’ groups

Abstract

In order to improve the quality of life of older people, whether they live in care homes or domestic settings, new strategies are required that will allow people to have greater control over their own lives as well as promote interdependence rather than dependence on their families and wider communities. The revised, statutory, regulatory framework for care homes in England introduces new ways of judging care services. Greater attention will be paid to service users' views about the service. Care home managers will be expected to supply annual quality assurance reports that include feedback from residents and their relatives. This paper advocates that care homes should establish ‘friends of the care home’ groups as one approach that will facilitate better communication, encourage participation and improve relations between staff, residents and their families and friends. Some of the mutual benefits for the manager and ‘friends’ are identified and guidance on how to set up and sustain a group is offered.

What makes a nursing home a home? Insights from family members and friends

“…Support provided by unpaid caregivers commonly includes personal care, transportation, and financial management (Turcotte and Sawaya, 2015). It is now recognized that continued family and friend involvement can benefit seniors living in nursing homes, their family members, and the facility’s staff (Gaugler and Kane, 2001; Furness, 2007; Gaugler et al , 2004; Wright, 2000). In particular, researchers have found that family involvement can contribute to enhancing the quality of life for seniors living in nursing homes (Gaugler et al , 2004; Mitchell and Kemp, 2000; Murphy et al , 2007; Voutilainen et al , 2006).…”

Family relationship quality after admission to a long‐term facility

“…Additional research is needed to further identify how policies in long-term care influence family relationships. Furness' (2007) work in developing 'friends of the care home' groups that include staff, residents and family members are excellent venues to identify and implement ways that facility policy can enhance relationships between residents and their family members. Such initiatives can help to ensure that partnerships are formed between long-term care administrators, staff and families in order to ensure that the instrumental and preservative aspects of care provided are of high quality (Bowers, 1988).…”

“…It is now recognised that continued family involvement can benefit seniors living in long-term care facilities, their family members, and the facility's staff (Davis and Buckwalter, 2001;Furness, 2007;Gaugler and Kane, 2001;Wright, 2000). In particular, researchers have found that family involvement can contribute to enhancing the quality of life for seniors living in long-term care (Gaugler et al, 2004;Mitchell and Kemp, 2000;Murphy et al, 2007;Voutilainen et al, 2006).…”