“Developing and using a goal-setting toolkit for care home residents”
Parallel 4
18 November, 2026 12:00 – 1:10 pmCo-producing Activity and Engagement in Care Homes
Dr Isabelle Latham
Researcher in Residence
Hallmark Care Homes
Summary
Existing research into goal setting for older people focusses primarily on physical and cognitive rehabilitation goals, often aimed at preventing care home admission and maintaining independence and skills. However, once in a care home environment expectations can be lower, with little robust evidence or guidance for staff, residents or families to understand the benefits and process of goal setting as a way to enhance quality of life.
To fill this gap, Hallmark Care Homes undertook a Home Action Research Project, in which Hallmark’s researcher-in-residence supported a team of co-researchers within two care homes to design and carry out their own research. In two phases, this research project first designed a suitable goal-setting toolkit using creative methods with residents, families and staff and then secondly applied this toolkit with 15 residents across two care homes, including those living with dementia. Staff, residents and families worked together to identify and work towards specific social and lifestyle goals. Impact was measured via residents’ quality of life, satisfaction and key health and wellbeing indicators. Efficacy of the toolkit was measured by staff participation and experience of using the toolkit. This presentation will share the key findings, including the revised Toolkit and implementation guidance.