Understanding the perspectives of care home managers when managing care of residents living with frailty

Abstract

Identification of frailty is an increasingly prominent concept in healthcare policy that drives access to services and support, and frailty is common amongst care home residents. Care home managers play a central role in facilitating residents' access to healthcare, but utility and relevance of the term 'frailty' for care home managers, is unknown. In this exploratory qualitative study we used semistructured interviews to explore care home managers' perspectives of frailty and how that understanding influences residents' care. We found 'frailty' was not specific enough to be useful in a context where many are frail and individualised care is requisite. Care home managers' perceptions of their key role, holistic assessment of residents and facilitating access to external expertise, aligns with best practice guidelines on frailty care. If the term 'frailty' does not provide a common language for all caregivers and service providers, inequitable care of people with frailty may arise.

Keywords: Care homes; Frailty; Long-term care; Nursing home; Older people.