This ECHO Network will continue to support the implementation of the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Regional Action Plan for the Care Home Sector, with the over-arching aim “To deliver a comprehensive and collaborative response to prevent, mitigate and build resilience in relation to COVID-19 pandemic response across the Care Home sector.” 

One key area of work within this clinical priority is promoting health and wellbeing of residents, and working with care homes to support the delivery of meaningful activity is essential. This is also a key goal of the reform of adult and social care services. 

Meaningful activity is vital to the health and well-being of residents.  It is so important that care home staff have a place to share best practice and learn from each other through presenting of case studies.  Supporting this ECHO Network continues to ensure that residents benefit from the shared learning within the community of practice. 

This Network will explore: 

Tools and resources to support communication skills and offer activities which stimulate all residents
• Strategies to support residents with cognitive impairment and communication difficulties to share their emotions and to connect, for example, talking mats

• alternative occupation and activities for residents who have limited opportunity for communal activities 

• systems to promote the physical health, wellbeing, mobility and independence of all residents, particularly those post COVID infection 

• Creating opportunities for residents to exercise appropriately to maintain their mobility, appetite, digestion and reduce risk of deconditioning. 

Strategically, this work continues to  bring together a number of individual projects/workstreams within nursing and residential care homes.    

 ECHO Frequency – Monthly 

ECHO Lead – Caroline Leckey, Consultant, Public Health Agency