Noise
causing stress and discomfort for people, especially those with cognitive impairments. Striking a balance by promoting purposeful, therapeutic sounds while minimising disruptive ones is crucial to creating a nurturing atmosphere that enhances the overall quality of life for people who live in care homes.
Investigating and reducing the impact of excessive noise.
Care homes should consider noise and how they can reduce it. The first step is to identify where the noise comes from. The best way to do this is to conduct a noise source audit. To do this, assign an auditor responsible for conducting the noise audit and inform the care home staff and people who live in the care home about the upcoming audit and its purpose. The noise auditor could be from an external company, or you could decide to purchase a sound level meter or noise dosimeter to measure sound levels accurately. The auditor should perform the audit during typical operational hours to capture normal noise patterns by walking through all areas of the care home, including bedrooms, common areas, dining spaces, hallways, and outdoor spaces. This process will enable them to identify and document potential sources of noise, such as electronic equipment (TVs, radios, computers, etc.), aircon systems and fans, kitchen equipment (dishwashers, blenders, etc.), vehicular traffic near the care home, staff conversations and activities, activities and social gatherings, construction or renovation noise (if applicable), and exterior noises from neighbouring properties. The noise level should be measured at
various locations and at different times of the day to establish a pattern. The next stage is to ask people about the impact of the noise
levels on their lives. When doing this, it is important to structure the questions – if you just ask them if they are impacted by noise, you are unlikely to obtain good data. Instead, ask them about the impact on their general wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, sleep quality, and social interactions. You can also ask them about any suggestions that have to reduce the impact. The box on the left provides some example questions.
Are care staff a source of excessive noise? The volume of care home staff voices and behaviour can vary, and it is essential to avoid generalisations. In instances where some staff members appear loud, several factors may contribute to this behaviour. Communication challenges, such as addressing people with hearing difficulties or cognitive impairments, might prompt staff to speak loudly to ensure effective communication. Busy and fast-paced care home environments can also lead to increased noise levels, as staff navigate multiple tasks simultaneously. The stress and demands of the job could contribute to elevated voices, as care staff may experience burnout or exhaustion. Additionally, cultural differences in communication styles may influence individual approaches to volume. Training and awareness regarding communication techniques might play a role in staff behaviour. If noise levels become consistently disruptive, addressing concerns with the staff or management through open communication and constructive feedback can contribute to a more comfortable and supportive care environment for all.
Developing a noise reduction strategy Once the noise data and feedback has been collected and analysed to identify
Example questions
1 General impact How would you describe the overall noise level in the care home? In what ways do you think the noise in the care home affects your daily life?
2 Emotional and mental wellbeing Have you noticed any emotional or psychological effects due to the noise in the care home? Does the noise ever cause stress or impact your mood?
3 Sleep quality How has the noise level in the care home affected your sleep patterns? Are there specific noises that disrupt your ability to sleep well?
4 Social interaction Do you find it challenging to engage in conversations or activities with others due to the noise? Has the noise level influenced your social interactions with fellow residents?
5 Suggestions for improvement Are there specific measures you believe could be taken to reduce noise and improve the overall environment? How do you think the care home could better address concerns related to noise?
significant sources of noise that may require attention, the next step is to develop and implement an action plan to address the identified noise sources, setting priorities for corrective actions. To do this, you could set up a noise management team comprising care home staff, administrators, the people who live in the care home, and their representatives. Work with the team to devise a noise reduction strategy. Developing and implementing a comprehensive noise reduction strategy for care homes requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the physical environment, staff behaviour, and engagement with the people who live in the care home. Staff training is crucial, involving education on the adverse effects of excessive noise on wellbeing. Establishing quiet hours is essential to providing people with dedicated periods for rest and relaxation, minimising disruptions. Acoustic improvements, such as the installation of sound-absorbing materials and proper insulation, contribute
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