There is considerable research on work satisfaction and stress of care staff on
the one hand and on quality of care and well-being of older people on the other.
However, very little research in continuing-care settings for older people (nursing
homes, residential homes and long-stay wards) links perceptions of workers (work
satisfaction and stress) with the process of care (quality of care) and outcomes
for residents/patients (well-being). This is a notable omission, given the emphasis
of government policy on improving quality of health and social care services for
vulnerable elderly people in the UK. The White Papers, The New NHS and Modernising
Social Services and the National Priority Guidance for Health and Social Services
for 2000–2003, all emphasize the importance of services that are responsive
to local needs and which maintain and promote independence. The Centre for Policy
on Ageing has been commissioned by the Department of Health to develop national standards
for nursing and residential home care services for older people. This work will
build upon recommendations of the Burgner Report and Achieving a Better Home Life,
which identified areas for benchmarking. The national standards proposed under the
forthcoming National Service Framework for Older People will underpin new legislation
to regulate care services.