Recently we spoke to older people in a variety of care homes across Scotland. One of the questions we asked was what would make life better. We had no predictions about what people in care homes might say or the range of responses we might receive! Some of the answers we got are below. Many of the people we spoke to mentioned that they would like more staff. Have a look at our blog on care home staff for more information.

I’d like my husband to be here. I’m still not used to it here. I’m not living my normal life here. Two of us were meant to come.

A bit more space; we get a bit cramped when we have entertainment. We don’t have a huge meeting space.

It would be better if more people came along to the activities that we have here.

I miss the overnight cover, it made me feel safe.

I don’t know. I like the activities here. We have bingo and things like that.

Things could be better here. I could be 24.

The food is not all that good. I’m on a very restrictive diet though.

People in care homes should nurture their own talents and do the things they like. Let them choose. Give them the dignity of their old age. Dignity to an old person is everything; they’ve given everything else away. It’s very difficult.

It would be better here if there were more activities on like bingo or a film club. I like films.

Records and CDs would help us feel happy, as would chatting with people.

A pair of new legs would make things better!

I would like a good friend here to talk to.

More staff.

More staff with more time would make me feel less lonely.