The well-being and healthcare of our residents at The Chase Care Home is central to everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that each resident has access to high-quality healthcare that meets their individual needs.
In the UK, over 405,000 older adults (65+) currently live in care homes, representing 16% of people aged 85 and over, according to studies. Many care home residents live with multiple long-term conditions, functional dependencies, and frailties, with 75-80% also experiencing cognitive impairment. At The Chase Home, we aim to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for our residents by tailoring health services to their specific needs on an individual basis.
Our team is trained to manage a wide range of health conditions, developing long-term care plans. However, we recognize that sometimes external specialist support is necessary. We help residents continue seeing their local GP if they are nearby, or we arrange for local GPs and specialists when needed. Identifying early changes in a resident’s condition, diet, or behavior is crucial to providing timely
treatment. Health needs can be complex, and late-stage conditions may add complications. Therefore, a person-centered approach, built on trust and an understanding of each resident, is key to recognizing changes and taking the appropriate action.
We fully support access to external health services and advocate for their use, always prioritizing the welfare and well-being of our residents to help them live their best lives.
We believe that creating the right environment and culture is essential for providing the best care for our residents, blending support with strong clinical governance. As our Home Manager, Kandy Walster, explains, “Reliability and consistent access to health professionals, such as our local GPs, helps to build trust early with residents. Regular reviews with both residents and their families ensure we maintain the highest quality of care. Direct communication with healthcare advisors and loved ones helps reduce anxiety and ensures a more sustainable quality of life.”
Given the complex and often unique needs of elderly residents with frailty, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to commissioning external health services. Understanding each resident, building trust, and adapting care strategies as needed are vital. We regularly conduct reviews, maintain comprehensive records and care plans, and monitor factors like nutrition, mental well-being, and behavioral changes. We also prioritize integration with families, loved ones, and existing healthcare providers, including GPs, to ensure a holistic approach to care.
We hope this provides you with a clearer understanding of how we manage healthcare at The Chase Care Home. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a visit, please feel free to get in touch.