Wellbeing
specific aversions or preferences. A study by the University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology found that picky eaters perceived snacks as saltier when eaten from red and blue bowls compared to white ones, and they found snacks less desirable when consumed from red bowls. For non-picky eaters, the bowl colour had little effect on taste perception. These insights suggest that plate colour can be a strategic tool in care homes, potentially helping to enhance the dining experience for residents with specific preferences or dietary challenges.
Importance of choice and dignity Choice and dignity are fundamental elements in the care of residents in care homes. They contribute significantly to the quality of life, well-being, and overall satisfaction of residents. Here are the top ten reasons why choice and dignity are important for our residents: 1. Preserves individuality and identity: allowing residents to make choices and treating them with dignity helps maintain their sense of self and identity. It recognises them as unique individuals with their own preferences, histories, and values.
2. Enhances autonomy and control: providing choices empowers residents to have control over their own lives, even in a care setting. This autonomy can reduce feelings of helplessness and dependency, contributing to a more positive experience.
3. Improves mental and emotional wellbeing: feeling respected and valued boosts residents’ self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. It can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues commonly faced by those in care settings.
4. Promotes respect and trust: upholding dignity and providing choices demonstrates respect for the residents, fostering a relationship of trust between residents and caregivers. This can lead to better communication and cooperation.
5. Supports personal preferences and cultural sensitivity: recognising and respecting individual choices ensures that care is tailored to meet personal, cultural, and religious needs, making the care environment more inclusive and comfortable.
6. Enhances quality of life: allowing residents to make decisions about their daily lives – such as what to wear, what
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to eat, or how to spend their time – significantly improves their quality of life by making their environment feel more like home.
7. Encourages participation and engagement: when residents are given choices, they are more likely to engage in activities and participate in their own care. This active involvement can lead to better physical and cognitive outcomes.
8. Reduces behavioural issues: respecting residents’ choices and dignity can reduce frustration and resistance, often seen as behavioural issues in care settings. When residents feel heard and valued, they are less likely to exhibit challenging behaviours.
9. Promotes safety and wellbeing: respecting choice and dignity involves listening to residents’ needs and concerns, which can help identify and address issues related to their safety and overall wellbeing, such as discomfort or pain.
10. Fulfils ethical and legal responsibilities: upholding choice and dignity aligns with ethical standards and legal frameworks that govern care provision, ensuring that residents’ rights are respected and protected.
Conclusion: empowering choices for dignified living At Athena Care Homes, every choice we make is guided by our commitment to providing dignified, independent living for our residents. From the coffee they drink to the cutlery they use and the plates they eat from, we believe our residents deserve to have a say. After all, these are the kinds of decisions they made for themselves at home, and there is no reason that should change now. By involving them in these choices, we
are not just creating a more comfortable care home environment – we are respecting their autonomy and enhancing their quality of life.
In a world where aging can often feel like a loss of control, our goal is to ensure that our residents continue to feel empowered, respected, and at home. Through initiatives like our coffee, cutlery, and crockery trials, we strive to make every day a little brighter and every meal a moment of dignity and delight. It is not just about providing care – it is about creating a community where every resident can thrive.
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Lisa Vile
Lisa has worked in the care sector for more than 12 years, with nine years as a home-based customer relationship manager (CRM). Today, Lisa oversees a team of CRMs supporting Athena’s seven homes in East Anglia. For the past 18 months, she has been leading the hospitality side of operations, focusing on delivering positive, resident-centred hospitality services and ensuring our residents have a voice in their care, their home, and their daily experiences.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2025
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