Abstract
Background: Extra Care Housing (ECH) provides supported accommodation for older adults needing care by Housing Associations. It focuses on social engagement and activities that improve health outcomes, though promoting resident participation poses challenges.
Aims: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to social engagement and activity participation in ECH from resident and staff perspectives, examine the impact of the COVID-1 pandemic as a lens for understanding the effects of crises situations on care more broadly, and develop recommendations to enhance social engagement in the ECH setting.
Method: A qualitative design was utilised employing a multi stakeholder approach. Participants (n=16) were recruited across three ECH sites in Wales. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with six staff and four residents, and a focus group conducted with six residents.
Results: Two themes were identified for both staff and tenants which then informed the development of 12 actionable recommendations which are aimed at supporting residents to meaningfully engage. These relate to staff considerations, forward planning, activity types and accessibility and inclusivity.
Conclusions: Adopting these recommendations may help housing associations enhance the provision and support of social engagement and activities within the extra care housing setting, potentially benefiting the mental/physical health of residents.
Aims: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to social engagement and activity participation in ECH from resident and staff perspectives, examine the impact of the COVID-1 pandemic as a lens for understanding the effects of crises situations on care more broadly, and develop recommendations to enhance social engagement in the ECH setting.
Method: A qualitative design was utilised employing a multi stakeholder approach. Participants (n=16) were recruited across three ECH sites in Wales. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with six staff and four residents, and a focus group conducted with six residents.
Results: Two themes were identified for both staff and tenants which then informed the development of 12 actionable recommendations which are aimed at supporting residents to meaningfully engage. These relate to staff considerations, forward planning, activity types and accessibility and inclusivity.
Conclusions: Adopting these recommendations may help housing associations enhance the provision and support of social engagement and activities within the extra care housing setting, potentially benefiting the mental/physical health of residents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Activities, Adaptation & Aging |
| Volume | 00 |
| Issue number | 00 |
| Early online date | 28 Jun 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 28 Jun 2025 |
Keywords
- Extra care housing
- activity engagement
- older adults
- care recommendations
- Assisted Living