In partnership with the University of Edinburgh, ENRICH Scotland (ENabling Research In Care Homes) are proud to present their new short film about research in care homes.

The film has been designed and developed by the ENRICH ‘patient and public involvement group’, known as RICH (Research In Care Homes) Voices. RICH Voices members also support researchers in the design and development of research ideas, to make sure that the research fits the needs and preferences of care homes as much as possible.

Research can seem like a daunting topic and there are a lot of misconceptions about what it is like to live and work in care homes. Therefore, the aim of this short film is to start conversations about getting involved and ultimately improving the way we do things.

The video can be viewed here.

In addition to the above, the video showcases the impact of research on the staff and residents in care homes. RICH Voices members have shared how research involvement has improved their cognitive, psychological and social wellbeing:

“My experience of making the film was very positive one. I was nervous about being on camera and having to remember my lines, so was relieved to find that there was a teleprompt there! The camera crew were very good at helping everyone feel at ease, and the staff and residents all made us feel very welcome. It was lovely to be able to spend a bit of time chatting with them, as well as catching up with some of the ENRICH team. It is incredible to see the film as a finished product as I had no idea how it would all be put together.”

Kirsty- ENRICH CSO NHS Grampian

“It was a fantastic sunny day. We felt so welcomed by care home staff. Some of them were nervous to be filmed but their passion for their jobs and the ‘care home family’ came through strongly. It was lovely to chat to the residents (those who were being filmed and others in the dining room) and enjoy the homely atmosphere. It felt like we were part of a ‘normal day’ (including a visit by nursery children) and everyone was happy to tell us what they thought”

Dr Susan Shenkin, Co-chair ENRICH Scotland, and Reader, ACRC

“It was a great opportunity to showcase the relationships which have developed between ourselves and the team at ENRICH. Everyone had such fun on the day taking part feeling included and being involved. It absolutely reflected the integrity of ENRICH as an organisation and their ability to integrate into services with ease.” 

Alyson Vale- Abbotsford Care Home Business Director

ENRICH Scotland have colleagues across Scotland ready to support local care homes. Care homes that are interested in being more research active can sign up to ENRICH Scotland here and work with their local Clinical Studies Officer, to become a ‘research ready care home’.

ENRICH are very grateful to the residents and staff of Raith Manor Care Home who brought the film idea to life. ENRICH would also like to thank Kirsty Hynes and Lesley Cousland for helping to demonstrate what research can look like. The Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) and the Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC) supported the production of this video, which was created by FoSho Studios.