The availability of GPs can be a very literal lifeline to help identify, treat, and manage the often complex and varied needs of care home residents.

Over the years, figures from across care homes continue to show that nearly 90% of residents have high support needs. This is defined as requiring care for dementia, confusion, challenging behaviour, dual incontinence, severe hearing/visual impairment, or dependence in mobility.

Balancing the requirements of residents with high support needs while mitigating the risk of Covid-19 is a challenge which required rapid changes to our ways of working.

The issues we have faced in recent times – or more importantly how we tackled them – will inevitably shape how we solve some of the industry’s long-term challenges, such as meeting the needs of a growing and ageing population.