A new research toolkit from The Open University aims to transform the well-being of older people and staff.

Underpinned by academic research from the report The value and practice of relational care with older people, which was funded by the Hallmark Foundation, the toolkit offers practical guidance for managers and staff on how to create the right conditions for relational care in their community or residential settings.

Relational care is an approach which represents a shift to a more multidirectional flow of care where staff do things ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ residents.

Dr Manik Deepak-Gopinath, lecturer in ageing and Professor Mary Larkin, professor of care, carers and caring at The Open University, said: “Our research has enabled a better understanding what relational care looks like and the positive impact it has on older people, their families and care providers. We know that meaningful relationships are developed in an environment that facilitates a mutual sense of belonging, trust and inclusivity, and where everyone can feel respected and valued.”

Avnish Goyal, chair Hallmark Foundation and Hallmark Care Homes,  and chair, Care England, said:

“Hallmark Care Homes have been implementing relational care for years because we know it works. Relational care supports happier older people, it makes our homes happier places, and it makes for happier team members. A real win-win-win which I recommend to all care providers.”

In addition to the toolkit which can be found here, there will be resources available on OpenLearn the OU’s free learning platform later this year.

A summary of the report is available here.