The Physical and Psychosocial Effects of a Whole Systems Wellness Intervention for Older Adults Living in Care Homes: A Feasibility Study

Care home residents spent 79% of their time being sedentary. Reduced physical activity and lack of mental stimulation causes general weakness and frailty in older adults that can result in increased healthcare needs. It is important that care home residents spend their time being both physically and psychosocially engaged. This study aims to investigate the effect of a wellness programme on physical and psychosocial wellbeing in older adults living in care homes. Through this process this study will assess the feasibility of implementing the programme and collecting data in care home settings. There are two main groups of participants, 1) care home residents and 2) care home staff. Care home residents will have data collected at three time points. The first time point will be before the intervention (baseline) in the care home setting. The second time point will be three months after the intervention has been delivered. The third time point will be 6 months after the intervention has been delivered. The following measurements will be conducted: 1. Measuring hand grip strength by having to grip a device as firmly as possible and measurements will be taken, 2. Answering questionnaires about quality of life, daily routine, appetite, thoughts about wellness activities the participants have participated in, 3. Wearing a little 'match box-like' device (that measures daily movements and sleep patterns) for 7 consecutive days. Care home staff will be invited to participate in a focus group discussion 6 months after the intervention. Hence, this research will aim to understand the impact of a wellness programme that incorporates physical and psychosocial components that targets the holistic wellbeing of older adults.