4 August 2017
Researchers:
Michelle McCann: Substance Misuse and Ageing Research Team (SMART), Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of Bedfordshire
Sarah Wadd: Substance Misuse and Ageing Research Team (SMART), Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of Bedfordshire
Gill Crofts: Independent researcher.
Key findings
- Most residents’ drinking, physical and mental health stabilises and their use of health, social and criminal justice services reduces following admission.
- This is achieved by encouraging less harmful drinking, providing on-site health care, assistance with medication and self-care and provision of nutritious meals and social activities.
- Wet care homes are viewed by some residents as a safe refuge which has improved their quality of life.
- Other residents are frustrated by a lack of personal autonomy.
- Suitable outcomes include improved hygiene and nutrition, increased self-esteem, better compliance with healthcare, healthier living which is not entirely alcohol focused and more hope for the future.
- Homes should have processes in place to collect quantitative measures which provide clear evidence of impact.
