The Joseph Rowntree Foundation published a report in April, 08 Supporting older people in care homes at night by Kerr, D., Wilkinson, H., and Cunningham, C. (www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialcare/2201.asp ) It certainly made us at Parkhaven reflect on our practice.
Some of the key findings from this study of night time experiences of residents and staff in 3 care homes in Scotland were: managers were insufficiently involved in night-time supervision and practice, night staff often felt undervalued and isolated from the running of the home, night staff received less training than day staff, and the training was not specifically focussed on night time issues. There was a dependence on unfamiliar agency and bank staff which increased the workload on regular staff and compromised the quality of care for residents. Staff carried out routine and indiscriminate ‘checking’ throughout the night. The report also observed the unacceptable levels of noise and light during the night which affected the residents sleep and caused agitation. It was also concluded that the night time physical environment was disabling particularly for people with dementia. However, it was encouraging and motivating to read that the study showed that even minor changes in practice could result in improvements to the experience of residents at night.
So what are we going to do? The report was considered by our managers. They will now review their practice at night and consider the issues and how they relate to their own homes. This is a very important report because residential homes are a 24 hour service but the focus is more often on the day time experience. We are determined that ours should truly be an excellent 24 hour service. We will look at each of the aspects highlighted and agree what needs to be done including reducing the light and noise levels in an endeavour to give residents a silent night and an improved sleep which may then result in an improved day.
Hilary Rowland
18.12.08
Some of the key findings from this study of night time experiences of residents and staff in 3 care homes in Scotland were: managers were insufficiently involved in night-time supervision and practice, night staff often felt undervalued and isolated from the running of the home, night staff received less training than day staff, and the training was not specifically focussed on night time issues. There was a dependence on unfamiliar agency and bank staff which increased the workload on regular staff and compromised the quality of care for residents. Staff carried out routine and indiscriminate ‘checking’ throughout the night. The report also observed the unacceptable levels of noise and light during the night which affected the residents sleep and caused agitation. It was also concluded that the night time physical environment was disabling particularly for people with dementia. However, it was encouraging and motivating to read that the study showed that even minor changes in practice could result in improvements to the experience of residents at night.
So what are we going to do? The report was considered by our managers. They will now review their practice at night and consider the issues and how they relate to their own homes. This is a very important report because residential homes are a 24 hour service but the focus is more often on the day time experience. We are determined that ours should truly be an excellent 24 hour service. We will look at each of the aspects highlighted and agree what needs to be done including reducing the light and noise levels in an endeavour to give residents a silent night and an improved sleep which may then result in an improved day.
Hilary Rowland
18.12.08
