This is my home: quality of care for people with dementia living in care homes

Summary

There are around 63,000 people with dementia in Scotland, around 30% of whom live in care homes. It can be a huge step for someone with dementia to move into a care home. In doing so they leave behind all that is familiar to them, including their home and possessions, and experience many losses, such as control over their life. It can also be extremely difficult for carers, who can experience a threat to their identity now that they no longer provide the majority of care for the person. Despite these difficulties, such a move can have a positive impact on the person with dementia’s well-being if good quality care is provided.

This report raises concerns about the quality of care received in care homes by people with dementia. However, it also recognises and explores the challenges to providing good care that exist along a journey of care, from choosing a care home through to end-of-life care. The areas of: health; behaviour; stimulation; relationships; spirituality and religion; and end-of-life care are investigated and recommendations are given on how care in these areas can be improved. The impact of the challenges on care home staff is also examined.

The purpose of this report is to campaign for better quality of care in care homes. To this end, it will be of interest to people with dementia and their carers, care home staff and managers, care home providers in all sectors, the Care Commission, service commissioners and GPs.

Report date: 2005