Residents' gathering rooms where chairs are not llned up around the walls,and elderly people do not all need to sit on waterproof upholstery or upright wing chairs. Some cosy sofas and armchairs, headphones for those of us who want to listen to the Rolling Stones, and pleeeeeaaaase....no singalong sessions of 'Roll out the Barrel' and other world war two songs. Wrong generation!
The gardens would have raised beds of herbs and veg, lovely scented flowers, pergolas with grapevines and wisteria, an area for boules and chess, where we could sit and put the world to rights. Glasses of wine offered round whilst we are relaxing.
The menu woud be adventurous, with the odd traditional meal on offer. The chef would cook requests, not just what the majority want.
Art and culture classes or gatherings for those who want to participate. 'Show and tell' sessions so residents could talk about their lives and interests, if they wanted to. Rides out in the countryside or to the beach for some fresh air, lunch out, the odd concert or cinema trip. Film room for residents who love to take in a good film without being disturbed. Craft room where residents could share their old skills.
Permanent staff, and some on bank who know the home, not strangers from an agency who don't know what's in the records about the residents' likes, dislikes, needs and health issues.
Spur of the moment, unnanounced inspections. Mandatory training to be completed by all staff, tailored to the needs of the elderly, infirm and vulnerable. Volunteers to visit thise residents who are lonely, pets visiting, children encouraged to come in and not have to be quiet. Pets living there that residents can help to care for.
Residents can be taken to visit their homes if they wish, or enabled to spend one or two days with relatives where feasible. Put-u-up beds for family wanting to sty close durng illness or when residents are dying.
Freedom to send for takeaway meals, have your mates round for lunch, have a lie-in without cleaners coming in your room to change the bedding.
Don't know how anyone would make that lot work! Costs should have a ceiling with sliding scales of payment.