Providing high-quality care in a care home setting requires continuous reflection and improvement to ensure the best possible experience for service users. Even small changes can make a big difference in enhancing comfort, engagement, and overall well-being.
In this article, we take a look at some of the key strategies that you can implement in order to improve your care home in the most effective ways.
1. Put yourself in your shoes of your service users
With the many things to look after when managing a care home, we know it can be hard to find time to take a step back to assess your service is today and what you might want to change in the future. However, we think it is a hugely important to make time to review your premises through the eyes of your service users as it can quickly highlight areas for improvement.
You might even walk through a typical day in their shoes, identifying ways to enhance comfort, dignity, and engagement.
2. Create a homely atmosphere
While care homes provide essential support and medical care, they are also home for those who live there. A welcoming, comfortable environment can make a huge difference to well-being.
Small changes—such as soft furnishings, warm lighting, personal touches, and access to books or familiar comforts—can make the setting feel less clinical and more like home. Encouraging service users to personalise their space with familiar belongings can also contribute to a sense of security and comfort.
3. Work collaboratively with families
Families know their loved ones best and can provide valuable insights into their preferences, routines, and life history. Building strong partnerships with relatives can help tailor care to individual needs and ensure service users feel understood and supported.
Where possible, involving families in decisions—whether it’s meal planning, activity choices, or changes in care—can create a collaborative approach that benefits everyone. Open communication channels can also provide reassurance and build trust.
4. Encourage meaningful activities and hobbies
Keeping both body and mind active is essential for well-being. Providing a variety of activities, tailored to individual interests and abilities, can prevent loneliness and promote a sense of purpose.
From music sessions and art therapy to gardening or reminiscing groups, activities should be engaging and inclusive. Where possible, encouraging service users to continue hobbies they enjoyed before moving into care can help maintain identity and boost confidence.
5. Make the most of outdoor spaces
Spending time outdoors has proven benefits for physical and mental health. If your care home has outdoor space, ensuring it is accessible, safe, and inviting can encourage more time outside. Creating garden areas with seating, walkways, or opportunities for light gardening can provide service users with fresh air and a change of scenery.
And if you do not have an outdoor space, consider making the most of the space you do have with window boxes.
Where possible, facilitating trips outside the care home—whether it’s a local park, café, or community event—can also enrich daily life and provide valuable social interactions.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Implementing these strategies doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Simple adjustments can foster a warm, engaging, and person-centred environment that benefits service users, families, and staff alike. Prioritising these improvements can also support positive Care Quality Commission (CQC) reviews, reinforcing confidence in the quality of care provided.
By continually striving to enhance the care home experience, you can help ensure that service users feel valued, comfortable, and supported every day.
How can Delphi Care help?
Here at Delphi Care we have to knowledge and expertise to ensure that your service meets the standards for ‘Outstanding’ care. Our team is made up of former CQC inspectors and ex registered managers, with over 200 collective years’ experience of working in the health and social care sector.
Whether you require our consultancy services, mock inspections, or crisis management and turnaround, we’re here to help! Simply contact us today on 0330 133 3002 or email us at customer-care@delphi.care.
If you would like to chat with one of our consultants, then why not book a meeting now.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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