Managing patients in care homes

Abstract

Older people in care homes deserve the best health and social care we can offer. Their care needs are usually high and they are vulnerable either physically, cognitively or both. They are likely to have several long-term conditions and be in the last year or so of life. Although some may have families and friends supporting them with regular visits and advocacy, others may be more alone and socially isolated. Care homes are traditionally classed as either residential homes or nursing homes, with some being dual registered. The main difference is the presence of 24-hour on-site qualified nursing support in nursing homes. This means that, in general, the residents of nursing homes are more dependent and complex. This article will first describe how to approach the planning and delivery of primary care services to nursing homes, and then consider some of the most common problems and conditions. Much of this also applies to residential home residents.