Improving Quality of Life for Older People in Long-Stay Care ...

7.3 Welfare Home7.3.1 Physical Environment144This facility was purpose built as a welfare home in the 1970s. Welfare homes wereset up to provide care for older people who needed support but were reasonablyself-caring and independent in their activities of living. The facility has beds for 39residents but some were not occupied. The building was in the shape of an H andwas surrounded by a small garden. The corridors were long and nursing officeswere at some distance from residents’ rooms. There was a mix of single andthree bedded rooms. The single rooms were small, had a wash-hand basin, fewfurnishings, a small built in wardrobe and few electric sockets. The three beddedwards shared an en suite bathroom with an adjoining three bedded ward. Thebuilding was in poor repair but there was a good atmosphere. Pictures of residentsand paintings by residents helped to make the facility feel warm and welcoming.The day room was large but homely and most of the day activities took place there.There was a separate dining area for residents. The bathrooms and toilet facilitieswere so small that the use of aids such as a hoist would not have been possible.Residents could not bring walking aids into the toilet and staff assistance was difficultbecause of the lack of space. There was no call bell system in residents’ rooms.7.3.2 StaffingRegistered nurses and care assistants provided care for residents. The ratio ofregistered nurses to care assistants was 1:2 or 1:1 on most shifts. At night, oneregistered nurse and a care assistant were on duty.7.3.3 Life in the FacilityResidents appeared to be able to choose the time they got up or went back to bed.The day seemed varied and there was a real buzz of activity in the air. Residentstalked and chatted amongst themselves and with staff. Meal times were goodhumoured, lively events with good rapport between staff and residents. Manyresidents had an interest in the world around them and were up to date in currentevents. There was a good range of activities including cards, Sonas, reading thenews to residents, singsongs and dancing. Members of the local community camein to participate in some of the activities and this was very popular with residents.Improving Quality of Life for Older People in Long-Stay Care Settings in Ireland