Our Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership's Residential Care Homes for Older People strive to enhance the lives of their residents.

The staff at these care homes recognise the profound importance of meaningful connections in the lives of the residents – connections that span family, friends, staff and the broader community.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a host of restrictions, profoundly impacting the ability of individuals in residential care to engage with their communities and receive visits from loved ones.

Robin Wallace, our Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Head of Older People Residential and Day Care Services said: “During the pandemic our residents were restricted in the contacts and relationships that they could have, so coming out of the pandemic it’s been really important that we re-ignite the approach we take to place our care homes and their residents in the hearts of our communities and provide opportunities for the residents’ families to enjoy good quality time with them.”

To ensure that this experience is not repeated, the staff came together and developed a policy document ‘Meaningful Connections,’ which sets out how residents will be supported to maintain their personal relationships with friends and families as well as with one another.

Allowing connections is also helping residents transition to living in a residential setting easier by continuing the activities and interests they had when living at home, or trying out new things to stay active and independent for longer.

The staff recognise the importance of tailoring support to individual preferences, and this is reflected in the personalised support plans for each resident. By understanding and incorporating the activities that residents enjoy, the team ensures that the daily lives of those in their care are not only comfortable but also fulfilling.

In addition to individual pursuits, the commitment extends to fostering connections with friends and family members. One of the main aims of Meaningful Connections is to ensure that residents have unrestricted opportunities to spend time with their loved ones, provided there are no outbreaks of infection.

A great example of Meaningful Connections is the community engagement efforts to connect with local groups, schools and religious organisations important to the residents.

In Meadowburn Care Home, local school children were invited to listen to stories of Glasgow’s past told by the residents as well as local colleges delivering exercise classes and music classes for the residents.

Through their comprehensive commitment to supporting residents, engaging with families and utilising innovative strategies, the team ensures that the residents in their care not only receive high-quality physical assistance but also thrive emotionally and socially.

To find out more about Meaningful Connections, you can watch our new video that showcases the positive impact this new project has made in our care homes and for residents.