Independent living in care homes for older people

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate how care homes can be de-institutionalised and what factors are key in independence for residents? Design/methodology/approach - This paper takes the form of a review of the current life of residents in care homes with insight from My Home Life Cymru. Findings - This research identifies eight best practice themes which together form a vision for care homes in the twenty-first century. Originality/value - Care homes play an important role in social care, providing services to some of our most vulnerable citizens. By focusing on the quality of life in care homes for older people, we can play a part in delivering services that people want, in the way that they want them.