The coronavirus pandemic has affected social work and nursing homes globally. According toresearch and analysis, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over 100,000 care residents and staff. Long-term care has become increasingly important for the older people, given that nursing homes are a very vulnerable sector. While it’s difficult to predict outright what nursing homes will look like in the future, it’s critical that we identify any challenges and deliver the right solutions.

The importance of nursing homes for older people can’t be understated. They’re an imperative part of the social care industry, which makes it all the more important that we ensure all care homes can continue to provide the best accommodation and a high level of personal care. With the pandemic raising questions about the future of the sector, now’s the time to help ease the pressure by helping grow and support nursing homes.

Invest in new technology

The use of technology to care for older people has become a necessity. Research has shown that homes will be short of nearly380,000 care workers by 2026. Clearly, nursing homes need further assistance to be able to properly provide for older people. While we’re navigating our way through a pandemic, it’s all the more important to future proof the sector. There’s no doubt that technology has the potential to transform nursing homes for the better. It could help carers work more efficiently and allow residents to receive the best care with fewer resources. There’s a range of technologies already in use within care homes, such as personal alarms – but with the advancements of the internet of things, nursing home care could become much more streamlined in the future. For example, we may start seeing mobile devices that can allow staff to update the care given in “real-time”. The software could help carers track their patients’ daily routine, allowing them to offer better support at the right time. It’s hugely important that we provide older people with personalised care. Although advanced technology will never replace the emotional support that humans provide, it could have a massive impact on efficiency within nursing homes.

?Embrace improvement and leadership

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?Embrace improvement and leadership

Embrace improvement and leadership

Caring for older people is a huge responsibility, so strong leadership is vital. Quality leadership reflects the care provided and can improve the wellbeing of the people in the nursing homes. As we move forward, nursing homes must continue to assess their leadership. This can be achieved through self-assessment or peer assessment tests, which can help shine a light on any problems. The social care industry must always be ready to adapt and change, and strong leadership is the key to an outstanding care home.

?Staff training

Staff training

One of the most effective ways to ensure long-term care for older people is for nursing homes to invest in staff training. This should go beyond the basic training that’s required to become a care worker. Staff should be made aware of the struggles that older people can experience, such as loneliness. It’s important that all residents feel comfortable in their environment. In these uncertain times, staff need to be able to understand and recognise the medical needs of older people. If nursing homes want to keep providing the best service in the future, they should always look for opportunities to develop their staff. The nursing homes of the future will need to be to rise to the occasion and improve their practices to thrive in a post-pandemic world.

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?Embrace improvement and leadershipCaring for older people is a huge responsibility, so strong leadership is vital. Quality leadership reflects the care provided and can improve the wellbeing of the people in the nursing homes. As we move forward, nursing homes must continue to assess their leadership. This can be achieved through self-assessment or peer assessment tests, which can help shine a light on any problems. The social care industry must always be ready to adapt and change, and strong leadership is the key to an outstanding care home.

?Staff trainingStaff trainingOne of the most effective ways to ensure long-term care for older people is for nursing homes to invest in staff training. This should go beyond the basic training that’s required to become a care worker. Staff should be made aware of the struggles that older people can experience, such as loneliness. It’s important that all residents feel comfortable in their environment. In these uncertain times, staff need to be able to understand and recognise the medical needs of older people. If nursing homes want to keep providing the best service in the future, they should always look for opportunities to develop their staff. The nursing homes of the future will need to be to rise to the occasion and improve their practices to thrive in a post-pandemic world.

?How can Charles Hunter help you?

How can Charles Hunter help you?

At Charles Hunter, we have an experienced team of recruitment specialists, dedicated to placing the best social work and care staff in social care roles across the UK. We have a deep understanding of the sector and always keep up to date with any industry changes. We’re passionate about social work and understand the importance it plays in many people’s lives. Therefore, we deliver an effective and efficient service that meets the demands of the sector. If you’re looking for a new role in social care or you’re interested in hiring new talent, get in touch with our team today.