Conclusion: key themes and future directions

This final chapter summarizes the current state of care home provision, drawing from the preceding chapters of this book. Several general themes are discussed: (1) the ageing population and the changing profile of care home residents; (2) the changing nature of the care home market; (3) the vulnerability of care home residents and the challenges in hearing an authentic voice especially for older people with dementia; (4) policy and funding issues; (5) the care home workforce and the skills that are required; and (6) how outside agencies, including regulators and other health providers, work...

This final chapter summarizes the current state of care home provision, drawing from the preceding chapters of this book. Several general themes are discussed: (1) the ageing population and the changing profile of care home residents; (2) the changing nature of the care home market; (3) the vulnerability of care home residents and the challenges in hearing an authentic voice especially for older people with dementia; (4) policy and funding issues; (5) the care home workforce and the skills that are required; and (6) how outside agencies, including regulators and other health providers, work with care homes. The authors take a cautiously optimistic view of the future, anticipating that, despite many challenges, improvements in quality will be maintained and a skilled workforce will be able to provide care that promotes mental health, hope, and dignity for older people.