Running a care home is no easy feat. It requires a lot of time, energy, and dedication. Unfortunately, even the most well-intentioned care home owners and managers can make mistakes.
But first, what is a care home? Care homes offer accommodation and personal care for those needing extra help with everyday tasks. Personal assistance might include feeding, washing, dressing, going to the toilet, or taking medicine. Some care homes also provide social activities such as day trips or excursions.
They often house people with diverse needs, including the elderly, people with learning disabilities, and people with mental health issues. Care homes can be private or run by the government. Private care homes are usually for-profit, while government-run care homes are non-profit. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at five of the most common mistakes made in managing care homes:
Lack of Training & Not Enough Qualified Staff
One of the most common mistakes in running a care home is the insufficient qualified staff. This can lead to a lack of training for employees and a higher chance of errors being made. It’s essential to have appropriately trained and qualified staff to handle your residents’ needs.
The mandatory training courses for care home workers will help ensure that your staff is up to date on the latest information and techniques. These courses cover infection control, manual handling, first aid, and fire safety. Employees must also receive training specific to their job role. For example, carers who work with people with dementia will need to take a specialized course.
It’s also important to have a good ratio of staff to residents. This will vary depending on the needs of your residents, but a good rule of thumb is one staff member for every eight residents.
Poor Communication Among Staff
Another common mistake in care homes is poor communication among staff. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, which can ultimately jeopardize the safety of your residents. It’s necessary to have clear and concise communication between all team members.
To improve communication in a care home, owners and managers should consider using a communication tool such as a staff intranet. Staff intranets are private websites that only employees of a company can access. They store information such as shift rotas, policies and procedures, and contact details.
Another way to improve communication is to hold regular team meetings. This allows employees to share concerns, discuss changes or updates, and ask questions. Meetings should be kept concise so that everyone can stay on topic.
No Social Engagements to Boost Passion & Hobbies
A care home should be more than just a place to live. It should be a community where residents can socialize, make friends, and pursue their passions and hobbies. Unfortunately, many care homes fail to provide residents with opportunities to socialize and engage in activities they enjoy.
One way to encourage socialization and boost residents’ passion and hobbies is to hold regular events and outings. These can be anything from day trips to the beach or local park, arts and crafts classes, and movie nights. It’s essential to cater to the interests of your residents so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
In addition, care homes should provide common areas where residents can socialize and relax. These might include a lounge, a library, or a garden. It’s vital to have a variety of spaces so that residents can find somewhere they feel comfortable.
Inadequate Supervision of Residents and Staff
Another common mistake in care homes is inadequate supervision of residents and staff. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. It’s important to have a system in place to ensure that all staff members are supervised at all times.
There are a few different ways to do this. One is to use staffing management software such as TimeTec TA. This software allows managers to see when staff members are scheduled to work and keeps track of their hours. This ensures that all staff members are accounted for at all times.
Another way to improve supervision is to use CCTV cameras. CCTV cameras can monitor common areas such as the entrance, exit, and corridors. This can help to deter crime and improve safety in the care home.
Not Enough Health and Wellness Programs
Many care homes fail to provide residents with adequate health and wellness programs. These programs are beneficial for maintaining the health of residents, as well as preventing injuries and accidents.
Some of the most common health and wellness programs include exercise classes, dietician-led nutrition workshops, and fall prevention classes. It’s important to offer various programs so residents can find something they enjoy that meets their needs.
Organizing a nature walk for a few residents can also help them socialize and have fun, improving their quality of life. You can demonstrate that you are doing everything feasible to improve your residents’ health and well-being if you help them go for walks on a regular basis or set aside time for non-active activities.
All in all
Home care facilities must get their operations right as they provide necessary services to people who cannot fend for themselves. The five mistakes mentioned in this article are some of the most common ones in managing a home care facility. By being aware of these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can help to ensure that your facility is running smoothly and providing the best possible care for your residents.