Care homes call for more nurses

English care homes are struggling to meet their residents’ needs, according to new research by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Nursing accounts for around three-quarters of the care provided in care homes, including tasks from washing and feeding to dementia care and using heart monitors.

An online poll of 600 nurses found that there were three key problems highlighted: lack of equipment, lack of staff and adequate training. The ageing population also means that patient care becomes more complex.

Of those polled, 38% reported that there were too few nurses to provide effective care and 25% suggested that there was not enough equipment. Training was also considered important to providing care for residents.

RCN general secretary Peter Carter said: “Many of these challenges are not new, but following years of underinvestment, these issues have now significantly worsened.”

Care services minister Paul Burstow said: “The white paper will bring clarity to what quality care in social care looks like. It will seek to empower everyone involved in social care to play their part in ensuring high quality care for all.”