There were 18 leaders who were interested in enhancing community touchpoints with and by care settings as part of this community engagement quality improvement initiative. Leaders explored the definitions of what community means to residents, relatives and staff, as well as what the mutual benefits are for care settings and the local community. Intergenerational approaches are often most valued by residents and therefore Linking Generations NI were invited in to deliver training - identifying care home ‘neighbours’, approaches to engage ‘neighbours’, and the principles of intergenerational working.

In several care settings children in local community programmes aged from 3 years to 18 years were invited in to meet residents. Residents and children together took part in arts & crafts, letter writing, pen pals, storytelling, poetry, fun farms, naming bears and creating murals. The unique bond created between residents and children during this time was recognised and valued by residents, relatives, and the children’s teacher.

Leaders initially focused on integrating community into the care settings although residents also valued the idea of creating community within the home. A few care settings created gardens from unused spaces and recruited local resources and knowledge to create their vision of a community garden. In another care setting a happy accident occurred when Bollywood music was played one day, residents who usually do not participate in activities started laughing and talking and absolute joy was observed on their faces. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best and laughter and having fun can be the best remedies.

Leaders recognised the importance of all types of community for their residents and that there is always something new they can enjoy that improves their day. Leaders noted a reduction in falls, with one care setting reporting a reduction of 10 falls a month to just 1 the next month. A reduction in the use of sedatives as residents were sleeping better at night and prn medications as residents were more settled and walked less with purpose. Families, external health support staff and the staff themselves observed and delighted in the improvements of resident's wellbeing.