Avnish Goyal CBE, Chair at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, explores whether the sector should shift its focus entirely to community based care or adapt the residential model to better meet modern needs.
As the social care sector evolves, many are questioning whether traditional residential care is becoming obsolete. The short answer is “no,” but the reality is more nuanced. While residential care homes remain integral to the care landscape, they must adapt to meet modern needs and preferences.
Changing Preferences and the Rise of Home Care
In recent years, many people have shown a growing preference for home-based and assisted living options. Advances in technology, such as remote monitoring and virtual healthcare consultations, have made it easier to receive personalised support at home. Assisted living facilities offer varying levels of care, allowing individuals to maintain independence in a community setting. These trends reflect a desire for dignity, comfort, and choice in how care is delivered.
The Continued Relevance of Residential Care
Despite these shifts, residential care is still essential, especially for those with complex or high-dependency needs. Purpose-built homes are often better equipped to manage advanced dementia, end-of-life care, and other specialised requirements. Additionally, the communal setting of care homes helps combat loneliness by fostering friendships and shared experiences. With trained teams on-site and dedicated facilities, residential care provides a level of security and expertise that some individuals may not access at home.
Insights from Thriving in Residential Care: The RASHID* Model
Research from Home Life England highlights the importance of thriving within care settings. This framework conveniently fits into the acronym ‘RASHID’. The RASHID* model identifies six key elements that contribute to well-being:
- R: Relationally – Meaningful connections foster a sense of belonging.
- A: Actively – Engaging activities maintain a sense of purpose.
- S: Securely – A safe environment supports physical and emotional well-being.
- H: Healthily – Holistic attention to health enriches daily life.
- I: Inclusively – Celebrating individuality ensures respect.
- D: With Dignity – Upholding autonomy preserves self-worth.
Focusing on these elements helps create care homes where residents thrive, not just receive support.
Adaptation Is Key
To remain relevant, residential care must integrate best practices from home care and assisted living. Personalised care plans ensure each resident’s unique needs are met, while technology like wearable monitors can enhance communication and monitoring. Flexible models also allow residents to move between care options as needs change, ensuring continuity and comfort.
Balancing Preferences with Practicalities
While home care is appealing, practical issues remain. Workforce shortages, funding constraints, and the need for specialised equipment can make home care challenging, especially for those with advanced conditions. Residential care’s economies of scale and specialised expertise often provide a more cost-effective solution for high-dependency needs, ensuring consistent care and safety.
A Collaborative Future
The future of social care relies on cooperation rather than competition. Residential care can adopt person-centred approaches from home care, while home care providers can learn from the structure and clinical expertise found in residential settings. Together, these models can create a robust continuum of care for an aging population.
Conclusion
While home care and assisted living offer new ways to deliver support, traditional residential care is far from obsolete. It remains a cornerstone for those requiring comprehensive assistance. By embracing innovation and personalisation, through models like RASHID*, residential care can continue to thrive as part of a broader, integrated system.
Research from Home Life England (part of City St George’s, University of London) reminds us that residential care is about enabling individuals to thrive. Building on these insights will ensure care that enhances quality of life and supports people to thrive at every stage of their journey.
@avnishgoyal @ HallmarkCare
hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
* the acronym ‘RASHID’ model was created by the author of this article. RASHID is an Arabic word meaning guidance, knowledge and wisdom.
