How can care providers engage people drawing on care and support with their communities?
The Care Act 2014 states that the purpose of social care is to promote wellbeing and reduce a person’s need for care and support. It focuses on the core component that the person receiving care should have their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs considered at all times.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wellbeing is ‘a positive state experienced by individuals and societies, determined by social, economic and environmental conditions’.
Being part of the local community can speak to two of these pieces – social and environmental. A community can offer emotional support to individuals and help them to foster a sense of identity, giving them a sense of belonging and connection.
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) endorses community engagement as a strategy for health improvement. The skills and knowledge inherent in the community, and the social networks that are available outside of the care setting, can deliver new perspectives and enrich the lives of those drawing on care and support.
In addition, by fostering a sense of community and inclusivity as a provider of social care, by adopting a person-centred approach and by moving away from being solely service led – better health can be achieved for the people the service is supporting.
A 2021 report by Think Local Act Personal titled, Towards Resilience: Making community matter in social care, uncovered ‘difficulties with communication, a lack of co-production, a fragmented care market, and… the unequal impact upon groups that are the core concern of adult social care – namely older and disabled people and non-white people and communities’.
The report identifies the important role community has to play, a role that was highlighted by the response to the pandemic, stating, ‘We have seen local people come together and look out for one another, demonstrated by the rapid flourishing of mutual aid groups and an exponential rise in volunteering.
‘We know, therefore, that these “assets” exist and, with timely public investment in nurturing this core economy to become sustainable, we have opportunities to develop the capacity of local people. This will act as an important element of resilience both for those that draw on social care support and wellbeing in general.’
Now is a good time for the sector to focus on fostering community connection and inclusivity, as the week of 24th to 30th June 2024 will play host to Care Home Open Week 2024, where community engagement is a key theme. This annual event is dedicated to showcasing the warmth, care and vibrant communities that care homes provide to residents across the country.
The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) and the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) have launched a joint fundraising campaign in recognition of the event, harnessing the spirit of unity and compassion they believe defines the care community.
NAPA is dedicated to promoting meaningful and engaging activities to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of residents in care homes. By partnering with CWC, a charity committed to providing financial support to care workers during times of need, this partnership aims to offer assistance to those who work to bring joy and enrichment to the lives of individuals living and working in care homes.
By creating innovative and meaningful connections with the wider community, outside the walls of the care home, the lives of both residents and care workers can be enriched, and the work of the care sector can be supported and celebrated by the local community in return.
For more information about Care Home Open Week 2024 and to register your care home’s participation in the event, visit the Championing Social Care website.
NAPA’s primary goal is to improve quality of life for individuals receiving care and support services and encouraging their engagement with local communities. During Care Home Open Week, we urge activity and care teams to arrange open houses, inviting community members to participate in activities like art workshops, gardening sessions or intergenerational storytelling. These events not only showcase the care setting but also facilitate connections between residents and the wider community. Maintaining community relationships requires ongoing efforts beyond specific events like Care Home Open Week. By regularly involving community members in activities and events, care settings can encourage a sense of belonging and inclusion. Here are five tips for success: By implementing NAPA’s tips, activity and care teams can create vibrant and interconnected communities that promote wellbeing and fulfilment for all involved, beyond Care Home Open Week. Email: [email protected] Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director, National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) Community engagement should be an integral part of care provision throughout the year, but Care Home Open Week is a great time to recognise and support this in new ways. At the CWC, we speak to care workers across the UK and know they are central to supporting this engagement, both as support workers and members of the wider community. There are many ways that care providers can enhance community engagement. Incorporating these strategies into daily operations can foster meaningful connections between people drawing on social care, the social care workforce and their communities, promoting a sense of inclusivity and support. Email: [email protected] Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive Officer, the Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) Will your organisation be celebrating Care Home Open Week? If so, how? Leave a comment on this article or join the conversation to share your thoughts.