Highlighting the benefits of care homes for older people

Forming meaningful friendships with each other and with staff

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum and an Honorary Professor at City St George’s, who chaired the Advisory Group, opened the event by highlighting the vast collaboration behind the research. She described the findings as “a rich overview of people’s experience of living in residential care across the UK,” recognising the contribution of the older people, families, and care teams who participated. "This research is about thriving," said Vic, pointing out that the study offers significant insights into how older people can truly flourish when living in care homes.

The report also dispels the myth that care homes are only for those who can no longer live independently. Instead, many older people found themselves able to ‘thrive relationally and actively’, forming meaningful friendships with fellow residents and staff, and actively participating in activities that gave their lives renewed purpose.

Transformative experiences

Dr Bethany Morgan Brett, the lead researcher and Research Fellow at My Home Life England, explained that the study sought to understand older people’s experiences of living in residential care. Speaking at the launch, she shared stories of older people whose quality of life had dramatically improved since moving into a care home. "We found that whilst care homes are not right for everyone, they can be everything for some," she said.

The research captured some particularly moving stories, such as that of 89-year-old Kash, who proudly took on a leadership role in welcoming new residents to his care home, helping them to settle in. "If I can help someone to some extent, so that person will be happy, and they don’t feel they’re on their own," Kash shared, showcasing the sense of community that many older people find within care homes.

Tom Owen, Director of My Home Life England, spoke about the future vision for the project, expressing concern over societal views of care homes as a “last resort”. Tom emphasised the importance of changing this mindset. “The 400,000 older people in care homes remain so unheard,” he said, urging policymakers to recognise the vital role that care homes play within the healthcare system. “We need to actively communicate the value of these places, cherishing their vital role within the health and social care system.”

A new perspective on safety and security

One of the most significant findings in the study was the overwhelming sense of security that care homes can provide. For many older people, living at home had become a source of anxiety, particularly at night. In the care home environment, with staff available around the clock, many older people reported feeling a profound sense of safety and relief. Plus, proactive support with nutrition and healthcare meant many older people also shared that their health had actually improved since moving into residential care. On this point, a lot of people don’t envisage that someone’s health might actually improve when they move into a care home, but the researchers found this to be the case.

This was echoed by Lynette, a care home manager, who shared the story of an older woman who had previously been living in deplorable conditions. “The rats had eaten through the mattress. They had no hot water. They had no heating," Lynette recounted. Since moving into the care home, the woman’s health and well-being had dramatically improved, and she was now actively participating in social activities. “Her life has ‘done a 360’,” Lynette said, illustrating the transformative power of care homes when they function effectively.

Diversity and inclusion in care

The report also highlights the importance of inclusive care, especially for individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and sexual backgrounds. Bethany shared a poignant example of an older woman, Joanie, who, after 96 years, felt comfortable enough to come out as gay to staff at her care home, when she had previously faced discrimination from her family. Joanie’s sense of acceptance and security in her care home allowed her to express her identity in ways that had previously been impossible.

Tom noted that this inclusivity is crucial for the future of care homes, especially in recruiting and retaining care workers. He urged a shift in societal attitudes, adding that by recognising the value of care homes, they will become more attractive as places to work and live.

A call to action

As the event concluded, Vic reiterated the importance of spreading the word about the positive impact care homes can have. “When the conditions are right, care homes can support older people to really thrive,” she said, calling on attendees to share the findings widely. The study offers a hopeful vision for the future of residential care, showing that it is possible for older people to live fulfilling, enriched lives in care homes across the UK.

Read the full research study