Promoting Well-being in Care Homes: A Guide
At NESCAFÉ, we understand that care homes play a vital role in supporting loved ones. However, this support extends far beyond ensuring physical safety; it must also encompass their mental well-being. This article looks at some of the elements that can contribute to a stable environment for residents, to help them feel supported and thrive in that environment.
Why is monitoring well-being and mental health in nursing homes important?
Nurturing and supporting residents' mental health is important for their overall happiness. Many of the symptoms of mental health illnesses can be similar to the normal ageing process. Therefore, a specialised approach that monitors their mental well-being can have a significant impact – especially as between 65% and 90% of nursing home residents face some form of mental disorder 1.
Empowering staff with the relevant training to recognise early signs of these behavioural and emotional changes can lead to timely interventions that can enhance their quality of life. In fact, the benefits of positive mental health can be seen all through the community, not just in the individual. Emotionally thriving residents participate in more social activities and have better relationships with their loved ones and staff 2 which elevates everyone’s experience and creates a nurturing environment where both residents and staff can be happy.
Common mental health & well-being concerns in nursing home residents
The full spectrum of mental health concerns for residents should be considered when improving well-being, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia3. By understanding how depression and anxiety may present differently in the elderly population, we can recognise their emotional needs even when verbal communication may become more challenging. Research indicates four main areas as to why depression in nursing homes may become more prevalent: isolation, loss, chronic pain, and cognitive decline4.
Cognitive disorders, particularly those associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia, affect a large proportion of older residents5. Acknowledging that emotional well-being and cognitive health can go hand in hand can allow for more effective support. Early recognition and thoughtful interventions are crucial in managing these mental health issues and improving the overall well-being of nursing home residents.
Root causes of poor mental health & well-being in nursing homes
Huge life transitions can understandably influence the mental health of residents. Moving from independent living to a senior living community, often with a lack of privacy, can lead to a loss of identity and control over their own lives7. New routines, separation from their homes and loved ones, and having to share spaces with strangers can profoundly affect the mental well-being of older adults in care homes8. Creating spaces that honour individuality and maintain connections to their own identity can help residents navigate this transition with purpose.
A holistic approach recognises that physical health problems and emotional well-being are deeply connected. Additionally, chronic conditions, pain, and reduced mobility are issues that can worsen with age and can trigger or exacerbate existing mental health problems.5 Research indicates that thoughtfully organised physical activity programs can mitigate some of these effects by strengthening both body and mind9.
The importance of mental well-being in nursing home
When residents mental health is nurtured, the benefits can extend to all aspects of their well-being: better physical health, increased appetite and faster healing and illness recovery times.
If a resident's mental health is compromised, they might start to withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed. Spotting these signs early on and maintaining meaningful connections with them can make a significant difference and prevent feelings of isolation. Supporting residents in maintaining their independence is also crucial. Simple tasks can become more manageable with the right support, boosting their self-esteem and overall mental well-being10.
Strategies to improve mental health and well-being in nursing homes
Improving the mental health of residents not only enhances their quality of life, but also influences every other aspect of their stay by encouraging a more holistic and well-rounded approach to care that doesn’t just focus on the physical elements.
Starting with a personalised care plan for each resident is essential. Well-being in care homes is not a one-size-fits-all strategy and can be influenced by plenty of internal and external factors. Care plans need to be regularly reviewed as circumstances can change quickly depending on how they respond to the plan.
Loneliness in care homes is often linked to a lack of activities residents are interested in, as well as an absence of significant relationships in the home. Tackling these two factors can be key to improving mental health in care homes. Social interaction through fun activities, like bingo or quizzes, as well as informal gatherings such as a cup of coffee and a chat or a book club, should all be encouraged to help prevent loneliness. To make this easier, we’ve put together The NESCAFÉ Care Home Activity Pack which is full of fun activities that can bring everyone together, share a few laughs, and get residents moving.
Naturally, the responsibility shouldn’t just be on care home staff to help with mental well-being; professional mental health support should be available if needed. Regular visits from mental health professionals and counselling services can be integrated into their care.
Immediate actions and long-term strategies for mental health and well-being in nursing homes
Short-term Strategies
- Staff Training: Ensure staff are trained to spot early signs of mental health issues, such as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, mood, and social interactions.
- Social Gatherings: Encourage residents to participate in small social gatherings, such as coffee mornings, group exercises, and book clubs.
- Enhanced Communication: Strengthen communication between staff, mental health professionals, and the family members of those affected.
- Resident Involvement: Encourage residents to be directly involved in their own decision-making, routines, and care plans for a greater sense of autonomy.
Long-term Strategies
- Consistent Routines: Implement structured and consistent daily routines.
- Regular Check-ins: Provide regular mental health check-ins between residents and professionals.
- Strong Relationships: Foster strong relationships between residents and staff.
Creating a care environment that enriches the lives of the elderly starts with a person-centred approach, recognising each resident’s unique needs. This is key to improving mental health and well-being in care homes.
References
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1National Library of Medicine: Quality of Mental Health Care for Nursing Home Residents
2National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Promoting positive mental wellbeing for older people
3Nursing Homes Abuse: Mental Health in Nursing Homes
4Springer Journal of Public Health: Health-related behaviours and depression incidence amongst UK adults aged 50+
5Alzheimer’s Society: Home from home – A report highlighting opportunities for improving standards of dementia care in care homes
6The BMJ: Time to nursing home admission and death in people with dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis
7BCM Geriatrics: Strategies to support older adults’ mental health during the transition into residential aged care
8Helping hands: tackling loneliness in care homes
9MDPI: Effects of Physical Activity on Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults Living in Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses
10Birdie care: How to improve mental health in elderly care homes
11ANZ Social Work: Loneliness and boredom in residential care
12 National Library of Medicine: Effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes
13 The Gerontologist: Taking Action to Support Nursing Home Resident Well-Being: Perspectives of U.S. Nursing Home Staff During COVID-19
14Nursing Times: Depression in care home residents
15Aurem Care: The Role of Activities in Care Homes: How Meaningful Engagement Improves Wellbeing
16McKnights: LTC leaders need new strategies to maintain resident mental health during future emergencies
