Home care support for older adults in England: perceptions of quality and safety standards

Occupational Therapists (OTs), Social Work Managers and practitioners perceptions of the safety risks and quality standards in home care services (packages) that are funded by adult social care for older adults were explored in a descriptive, qualitative study using semi structured interviews and application of the CARE model (Concepts of Applying Resilience Engineering).Time pressures, skills and knowledge deficits and client dependency emerged as key themes impacting the delivery of safe, high quality care for older adults living at home. The next step is to investigate ‘a day in the life of a Home care worker’ and explore the views of independent care providers to develop an understanding of how the design of home care packages can be improved to promote safer and higher quality standards of care delivery.