Confidence in care homes almost doubles as public gain a more positive view of them

Care provider Vida Healthcare has discovered that the public’s trust in care homes has almost doubled year-on-year (from 24 per cent to 45 per cent), according to its poll of over 2,000 people.

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Vida Healthcare's survey of 2,004 people, reveals a rise in confidence (when compared to its previous poll of 2,001 respondents in 2020).

The poll shows people in the UK have a more positive view of care homes - with 34 per cent of people admitting their impression of care homes was now more positive than before the pandemic.

Almost half (47 per cent) of those polled, now consider a care home to be a home for older people to spend the rest of their lives in and not just a place for care to be delivered.

Changing traditional perceptions of care homes as 'undesirable'

James Rycroft, Vida Healthcare managing director said: “Our research has shown that while the traditional perceptions of care homes as an undesirable place to live are changing, our sector still has a long way to go to prove that care is being revolutionised to make sure we meet the long term demands and needs of our modern population.

"According to the results of our research, almost half (47 per cent) of UK adults consider a care home as a home for older people to spend the rest of their lives rather than just a place for care delivery.

"Despite this, we clearly have a fantastic opportunity to educate the public and prove that care homes are a home for many vulnerable people which offer social activities, specialist care, and unique facilities."

Some 47 per cent said they would be more comfortable if a person they know living with dementia was in a care home with staff who can support them.

67% know more about care homes than before

The public’s knowledge of care homes has also risen with 67 per cent saying they know more about the industry than they did before.

The majority of people surveyed (54 per cent) have or have had a friend or family member in a care home. Out of those who have known someone in a care home, 56 per cent said they had become worried about their mental health due to separation during lockdown.

However only 32 per cent of respondents thought care homes gave residents a sense of community for residents. Some 40 per cent said recreational activities are as important as medication when it comes to care of older people, especially those living with dementia.

Vida Healthcare already operates two care homes Vida Hall and Vida Grange, both offering care for people living with dementia. The group's third care home, Vida Court, is scheduled to open in November.

"We know that loneliness, a lack of specialist care, and poor facilities are all concerns of the public when it comes to care homes", added Mr Rycroft.

"We hope that by tackling this conversation head on and showcasing the new care homes being built, including Vida Court, we can prove that care homes are more than just a place for care delivery, but a home for people to spend the remainder of their lives."

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