Improving Health and Care for Physically Unwell Care Home Residents

This project focuses on improving the care for physically unwell residents in care homes by exploring alternatives to hospital admission. Care homes play a vital role in looking after our ageing population, but when residents become ill, they often end up in hospital, which can be distressing and costly. This research looks into 'community-based alternatives' like Virtual Wards, which offer treatment in the care home setting, potentially leading to better outcomes for residents and savings for the NHS. By conducting surveys and interviews with care home staff in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire, the study aims to understand how these alternatives are used and what support staff need to make the most of them. The findings will help improve how care homes manage residents' health, aiming to keep them comfortable and avoid hospital visits, which is better for everyone involved.