An exploration of the challenges of providing person-centred care for older care home residents with obesity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore care home staff's views on the prevalence of obesity in older people and how well prepared they were for any rise in applications for placements. Thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group interview data collected from seven care homes/33 participants in N.E. England. Findings revealed rises in demand by older people with obesity for care home admittance, consistent with rising prevalence of obesity in this demographic nationally. Findings also highlight implications of rising prevalence of obesity in older people, particularly care home staff's ability to deliver person-centred care (PCC) and the importance of appropriate support/recognition of this as an emergent issue to be addressed at a higher executive level and by health/social care authorities. Ways of ensuring PCC are discussed. Given continuing trends towards rising prevalence of obesity in this population, the findings possess broader translational potential.