An Evaluation of the ‘My Home Life’ Leadership Support Programme for Care Home Managers

Abstract

Care homes are central to the provision of care for older people and it is essential the leaders in this sector are supported to enhance the equality of care provided to these residents, often with multiple and complex needs and co-existing health conditions. The My Home Life Leadership Support program (MHLLS) is an innovative approach that enhances the culture of care in these settings. This study explored the findings of 298 participants who completed the program in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Data were analyzed from two questionnaires which are routinely completed, by participants on the MHL LSP, the Assessment of Workplace Schedule (AWES) and the Perceptions of Workplace Change Schedule (PoWCS). The results were categorized by factors identified by the exploratory factor analysis. This study focuses only on the quantitative findings from pre- and post-questionnaires. The study also provides an updated factor analysis of the AWES and POWCS. The results provide robust evidence of the overall positive impact of the MHLLS program across the three participating countries. The key areas in which MHL participants report significant change within their care homes are recognition and regard for them and their staff, workload, quality of care, and working relationships. Overall, this study has demonstrated a significant positive change in managers' leadership skills and their perceptions of the impact of this on staff, relatives, and residents.