Wellbeing through activity: Implementing the COT toolkit in Nottinghamshire

Abstract

Introduction: Much evidence exists linking activity to wellbeing, however the Alzheimer's Society (2007) reports many homes still have limitations in access to activities. OTs in Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust provide services to care homes targeting adults with severe mental health needs but could not assist care home staff to promote wellbeing through meaningful activity. Homes were not aware of the toolkit 'Living well through activity in care homes' (COT 2013) and its potential impact on residents. The project has been NICE funded until March 2015 to evidence the Trust's delivery of Quality Standard 50 Mental wellbeing of older people in care homes (NICE 2013). Aims: • To support the implementation of the COT Toolkit 'Living well through activity in care homes' in Nottinghamshire. • To improve residents' wellbeing by increasing opportunities for and time spent in meaningful occupation according to NICE guideline PH16 and quality standard QS50 (NICE 2008 & 2013). • To raise the profile of activity coordinators promoting idea sharing across homes. Method: • Observation. • Toolkit audit tool, repeated at the end of the project. • Formal toolkit workshop session. • Additional training as needed. • Engaging family/friends. • Suggesting environmental changes to encourage meaningful activity. • Disseminating learning and good practice via the activity coordinators and care home managers forums. • Sharing the project via the care homes research network EnRICH. Results so far: Activity staff have been receptive. Care staff have shown awareness that activity is everybody's business. All units have tried new activities. As the project develops strategies that have most impact on different homes are emerging. Implications for OT:The project aims point to evidence for the effectiveness of the Toolkit including feedback from staff,residents and friends/relatives, and highlights how OTs can make a difference to care home residents through education and coworking to meet QS50 (NICE 2013).