Last Updated on June 23, 2016

Improving homecare services for older people is the aim of a new quality standard from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It states that homecare services need to prioritise older people’s needs and wishes so they are treated with dignity.

NICE's new quality standard Home Care for Older People highlights how social care providers can help older people maintain their independence for as long as possible. Around 470,000 people used local authority funded homecare services in England last year. The majority of these will be people aged over 65 years old.

The new quality standard encourages providers to ditch the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. It says that homecare plans should describe what each person wants and how their needs will be met. Family members and carers should be involved in the decision process, if possible. It says that enough time should be given so that what people want can be achieved in a way that does not compromise their dignity and wellbeing.

Missed visits can have serious implications for older people. The standard says providers should ensure a back-up plan is in place so that the older person stays safe and their carers are kept informed.

Continuity of homecare workers is another priority for delivering person-centred care. Staff should get to know the person they are caring for, understand them and their needs. This builds the person’s confidence in the service and instils a sense of safety.

Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of the UK Homecare Association (UKHCA) echoed this statement in the standard and said, ‘Providing consistent care is vital, so having a team that is well versed and familiar with an individual’s needs means that high-quality person-centred care can be delivered.’

A report from trade union UNISON earlier this year revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of councils were limiting homecare visits to just 15 minutes. In the majority of cases, homecare workers were being asked to carry out activities such as helping people to wash or preparing a meal in that short time.

The standard highlights there is a risk that shorter visits will be rushed and not meet a person’s needs, compromising on safety and dignity. Shorter visits should only be used in carefully considered circumstances. For instance, when a homecare worker is well-known to the person or if they have been agreed in advance.

The standard includes priorities for homecare providers to make sure they use their staff effectively. Workers should have their practice observed at least every three months, with feedback discussed. Regular supervision will help improve the way they work and can reduce staff turnover, helping to ensure older people build relationships with their supporters.

The quality standard sets out the key areas to prioritise from the NICE guideline that was published last year.

The new quality standard has been welcomed by the UKHCA. The Association is confident that homecare providers and frontline care workers will find it helpful in their daily practices.

UKHCA’s Policy Director, Colin Angel, said, ‘We know how important it is to enable individuals to stay in their homes and maintain their independence. Local authorities, homecare providers and care workers all have a role to play in facilitating this.

‘The NICE quality standard focuses on meeting people’s assessed care needs. Importantly, it addresses issues that must be put in place by both providers and commissioners of services.

‘It is reassuring to know that the quality standard is an evidence-based contribution to the wellbeing of people receiving care at home.’

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