I was fortunate to have grown up surrounded by social care, with my Nan and Mum both relishing their vocation of caring for and supporting others. From a very young age, I’ve learned that you never stop learning and that every person you meet has a lesson to teach. The people who live and work in social care are no different – and I count myself privileged to have the chance to work with and learn from the most amazing people.
In today’s evolving social care landscape, providing high-quality, person-centred care and support requires more than kindness and experience — it also necessitates knowledge. This is where research plays a vital role. At its heart, research in care homes aims to improve the lives of the people we support, helping us understand what works, what doesn’t, and how we can continually seek to improve. If we stand still, we’re ultimately moving backwards.
What is social care research?
Social care research is about understanding how care and support are provided, how people experience it and finding ways to make it even better. This type of research can take many forms including surveys, interviews, case studies, trials and observational studies. It’s important that it includes the voices of those who receive care, their families and the professionals who support them. By involving everyone in the conversation, we can work together to shape a thriving social care!
Why is research important in a care home?
In a care home environment, each decision we make can significantly influence a person’s day-to-day experience and overall quality of life. This highlights the importance of our role and the responsibility we carry. While good intentions and personal experience are valuable, they are not always sufficient on their own. To ensure that we are providing the best possible care and support, it’s crucial to take the time to reflect on current research. Understanding what interventions and strategies are effective allows us to enhance the wellbeing of those living in care homes.
Research allows us to move beyond guesswork. It provides us with real-world evidence and guidance that we can use to shape our daily routines, communication techniques and even the physical layout of our environment. Research connects not only with the people who live in care homes but also with the invaluable teams that support them. We recognise that working in care can be both incredibly rewarding and emotionally demanding. Exploring staff burnout, job satisfaction and psychological safety through research lays the groundwork for creating workplaces where everyone feels supported and inspired to give their very best.
Ultimately, research doesn’t just give us data – it gives us direction. It helps us reflect, evolve and improve. It keeps us accountable. And most importantly, it drives that need for continual learning. Research in social care fosters collaboration among universities, research institutions, care providers and policymakers, leading to the formation of invaluable relationships. This multi-sector approach fosters innovation, allowing care homes to benefit from cutting-edge solutions.
A culture of curiosity, compassion and care
Our team has engaged in several research initiatives that focus on various critical aspects of care and support. These studies include exploring our experiences in providing end-of-life care and support, investigating the impact of laughter in care homes, examining how the environment can enhance the well-being of people living with dementia and evaluating the effectiveness of falls detection equipment.
Each of these studies has provided Haulfryn with valuable insights, enabling us to reflect on our practices, learn from the data collected and implement improvements. This ongoing research presents an opportunity to stay at the forefront of innovative developments and ideas – a chance that is invaluable for our growth and the quality of care and support we provide.
Ultimately, research in health and social care is vital. I believe in it so strongly because our teams and the people who live at Haulfryn have so much to contribute. Their experiences, insights, and voices can drive meaningful change, shaping improvements and innovations that enhance care and support. By grounding our care and support in evidence, we blend professionalism with heart – and ensure we’re constantly growing, adapting and striving to offer the best.
RCN Wales is proud to support Care Home Open Week 2025, led by Championing Social Care’s campaign, from 16 - 22 June. Care home workers play a vital role in the nursing workforce and this week provides a great opportunity for care homes to open their doors to the local community, share more about what they do and create valuable connections.
