Elderly people are set to benefit from a government scheme to extend learning provision in care homes.

The scheme aims to improve the quality of life of residents living in some of the 21,000 care homes across the UK by encouraging the uptake of informal learning programmes such as community led excursions and art sessions.

The project, commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, is being led by the National Institute of Continuing Adult Education (NIACE) that is carrying out research into the best forms of learning to provide in care home settings.

Fiona Aldridge, NIACE programme director research, said: “NIACE is very pleased to be leading on this project and our research will help us draw recommendations from current practice. Evidence of the impact of learning upon people’s well-being cannot be ignored, especially in the case of older people in care, where engaging in learning opportunities can make the world of difference to their health and happiness.”

This year’s Adult Learners’ Week group winner, Derbyshire based Tansley House Care Home, is testament to the success of implementing learning in care homes. After its manager and staff took up learning as part of a programme run by the First Taste charity it saw an increase in the levels of health, happiness and well-being of its residents.

Residents are now involved in formal training sessions for which they can receive certificates. Manger Beverley Windle said: “Learning in a group means the excitement spins off. Residents are happier, more alert, sleep better at night, need less medication, feel less isolated and are more at home.”

The first stage of the NIACE project will be carried out over the next few weeks, with a report being published to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons to be held later this year.

The report will outline different learning models and will highlight the benefits of offering learning to older people in care settings. It will also make recommendations on how to improve learning in care settings through sustainable funding, staff training and qualifications.

There are currently over 21,000 care homes across the UK according to A-Z Care Homes, which compiles a database of all registered care homes in the country.

NIACE is encouraging older people in care homes, their relatives, friends, and staff from organisations which know of existing learning opportunities in these settings to contact it by the end of this month to contribute to the research at fiona.aldridge@niace.org.uk or on 0116 204 4246.

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