Insight
whereby visitors touch pen and paper, and will instead see an increase in the use of iPads and other devices to log visitation. With visits likely being facilitated on an
appointment basis, it is also probable that care homes will have to start taking advantage of online booking systems, rather than manually booking appointments with residents’ loved ones over the phone. It is important care homes prepare for that being a long-term solution to restrictions on visits and prepare their workforce accordingly to be able to facilitate these protocols. And of course, the technologies that
we all have been using during the lockdown to help facilitate communications between residents and their loved ones will continue to be an important alternative to in-person visits. It is imperative that care homes have
the reliable and robust technological infrastructure necessary to allow for digital communication across various platforms, and the internet bandwidth necessary for all residents to be able to utilise this as and when they please.
Nutrition and well-being High-quality food will be even more important. At Sunrise and Gracewell homes we already had a nutrition programme in place to ensure residents were as healthy as possible, particularly during winter months, in order to strengthen their immune systems in preparation for viruses like influenza. As well as the obvious health risks
associated with Covid-19, people may also experience vitamin D deficiencies from spending less time outdoors during local lockdowns, as well as other nutritional imbalances. It is therefore important care homes remain at the
forefront of innovation with regards to food and fortification of foods, to ensure residents remain healthy despite these potential lifestyle changes. Sophie Murray, our head of nutrition
and hydration, who is also deputy chair of the National Association of Care Catering, is constantly looking for ways to improve the diets of our residents according their individual needs, and our team is currently working on creating a drink fortified with vitamin D. Changes to the built environment are
likely to also become more important in terms of wellbeing. The installation of increased lighting through homes, for example, particularly UV lights, is incredibly important for the wellbeing of residents during periods of lockdown where they are less likely to be able to spend time outdoors.
Activities It goes without saying that going forward, while visits in care homes are not allowed as frequently as before, the activities teams in care homes will become more important than ever. As well as looking after the physical health of residents, it is vital carers also prioritise keeping residents socially engaged and emotionally well. When possible, care homes will need
to take advantage of both outdoor areas and large indoor areas so they can facilitate regular socially-distanced activities, entertainment and hobbies. Notably, if care homes do not already have a dedicated team for activities, now is the time to develop them.
Looking ahead As we move away from the first peak of Covid-19, those of us working in the care
sector are now able to reflect on lessons learnt from this pandemic and envisage what care homes will look like and how they will operate in the future. Changes in the care sector are likely to
be both substantial and long-term, some of which have largely already been put into place. As we transition into the ‘new normal’,
these changes will be made to not only safeguard the health of residents and team members, but to ensure that residents live in an environment in which they are happy, socially engaged and emotionally fulfilled - with a care sector that is more resilient than ever before.
TCHE
Dr. Natalie-Jane Macdonald
Dr. Natalie-Jane Macdonald is chief executive officer of Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare, and is also chairwoman of Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity. She has over 30 years’ experience in healthcare-related businesses, operating in highly regulated environments. Macdonald began her career as a
physician, working in acute medicine and in clinical research at the Department of Medicine of Glasgow University. She left clinical practice to join the BMA as head of medical ethics, before moving to Bupa where she spent 15 years in a variety of roles, latterly as managing director of the UK division, in which she led the Private Medical Insurance and related businesses. She joined Acorn Care and
Education in 2013, a children’s services business, where she led organic and acquisitive growth, and a sale of the business in late 2017 to NFA group. Macdonald joined Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare in June 2017.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com• August 2020
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