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We took part in this research project and I can definitely say that our staff, residents and their families really benefited from the experience. The culture within the care home changed, from staff working on task centered routines without really understanding about the residents previous life, their routines and their families. Through attending workshops, listening to residents, their families and being able to share things that were important in their own lives, staff have a better understanding of the residents needs and have now become much more flexible in adapting their practice to their residents likes and dislikes. For example remembering that one resident used to like listening to the play for today on radio 4, staff now ensure this resident can listen to the play in her room in the afternoon which was part of her daily routine when at home. This resident is now less restless in the afternoons and enjoys the time away in her room listening to the play on the radio. I do believe that in order to enhance the quality of care provided in care homes, the commitment from the home leader is essential. Managers need to understand the needs of the residents and their families but also understand the needs of their staff within the home. All care homes are part of the wider community and as such they become small community groups on their own, many staff live near to their place of work and have close links with the community, listening to staff and developing an inclusive culture within the community means that we can not only provide an enhanced level of care but we can also recruit, retain and develop our staff to meet their individual needs.
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