Improving support of people with substance dependence in care homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving support of people with substance dependence in care homes
IRAS ID
343790
Contact name
Sarah Wadd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bedfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Substance dependence is a medical term used to describe the use of drugs or alcohol that leads to significant problems or distress. In the UK and in other countries, more older people with substance dependence are in need of support in care homes. Not much is known about how to support this group in care homes. Previous research suggests that staff in care homes struggle to provide good care to this group because they lack knowledge and skills. There is evidence of avoidable harm, preventable hospital stays, delays in leaving the hospital, and people being turned away from care homes.
This project brings together researchers and the Care Quality Commission, which checks the quality of care homes. It aims to understand how people experience care and find ways to improve it. It also aims to gather experts' opinions, including those with lived experience, to agree on the best ways to help. All the work will involve people with substance dependence, families, care workers, inspectors, and other health and social care professionals. We will use various methods such as guided discussions, case studies, data analysis, and reviewing existing research to gather strong evidence. When we have assembled the evidence, we will bring together groups of experts (including people with lived experience) to establish agreement about the recommendations. The recommendations will form the basis for resources and guidance for key groups, including guidance for residents and families about what care they should expect. The project will end on 30th June 2027.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0188
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion