Communities, Care Homes and Future Care Planning
Kirsty Cartin QN, Care Home Manager, Rashielee Care Home
Communities are the backbone of our lives, supporting us through every stage, including times when we need more care than can be provided at home. Care homes should be viewed as an extension of the community, providing essential support and nurturing environments for older adults. They are not facilities; they are homes and integral parts of our health and social care system where older adults can receive the care and companionship they deserve.
Currently, care homes are often seen negatively, viewed as places of last resort rather than valuable parts of the community. This perception needs to change. By openly discussing and planning for the possibility of needing such care, we can reduce fear and stigma. It’s about understanding that needing additional care is a natural part of life and ensuring that care homes are seen as places where individuals can thrive.
Integration of care homes into the community requires awareness and proactive engagement. Health and care professionals should be knowledgeable about local care homes and their offerings. Community discussions about care options should be normalized and facilitated in various settings such as libraries, churches, and supermarkets – anywhere people are! This way, people can make informed decisions and feel more comfortable about the care options available to them.
Nurses have a vital role in promoting these discussions about long-term care, contributing to early preparation, reducing stigma, providing accurate information, enhancing quality of life, supporting caregivers, facilitating smooth transitions, and advocating for patient needs. By fostering open and honest conversations, nurses can help ensure that individuals and their families are well-prepared and supported as they navigate the complexities of long-term care.
Older adults in care homes have the potential to lead active, connected, and fulfilling lives. Acknowledging the quality of life in care homes can shift the focus from the fear of death to celebrating the life that continues. Activities, social interactions, and personal growth don’t stop with age, and care homes can provide a supportive environment for these aspects of life to flourish.
By discussing and planning for future care needs, we can make the transition to a care home less crisis-driven and more a continuation of community support. Recognizing and valuing the lives of older adults in care homes can help break down fears and illustrate the ongoing contributions and potentials of these individuals. It’s about seeing care homes as part of the continuum of care and community support that we all might need someday.
Reframing care homes as vital parts of our community and engaging in more open discussions about aging and care can foster environments where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive. With 22 years of experience as a care home nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that a supportive and integrated community approach can have. It’s time we shift our cultural perspective and embrace care homes as essential, valuable, and enriching parts of our communities.
As a nurse, I strongly encourage you to visit care homes in your area to see what they offer. These visits can enhance your understanding of the environment and services, allow you to evaluate the quality of care, build important relationships, provide valuable insights to families and patients, stay informed about resources, and promote community integration. By taking this proactive step, you can help ensure that individuals receive the best possible care and support as they navigate their long-term care options.