Creating a Culture of Wellbeing in Care Settings

Celebrating World Wellbeing Week 2025

In the world of care, wellbeing is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re supporting an individual with complex needs, managing a care home, or working on the frontline as a support worker, your environment and relationships deeply influence your wellbeing and those you care for.

World Wellbeing Week is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can foster an inclusive, supportive culture that nurtures everyone in a care setting — from staff to service users.

Why Culture Matters in Care

The “culture” of a care environment refers to the attitudes, behaviours, and values that shape daily life. When that culture is one of compassion, communication, and care, everyone benefits. Staff feel valued. Service users feel respected and outcomes improve across the board — from reduced burnout to greater independence.

Creating a wellbeing-focused culture isn’t just about policies. It’s about daily habits, shared values, and intentional leadership.

Here’s how we can create that kind of culture:

1. Prioritise Staff Wellbeing

In any care environment, the staff’s wellbeing sets the tone. When carers are supported, they’re better equipped to offer empathetic, person-centred support.

Strategies to support staff wellbeing include:

• Flexible Scheduling: Whenever possible, allow for work-life balance through adaptable shifts.

  
  

• Mental Health Resources: Offer access to counselling, mental health first aiders, or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).

  
  

• Wellbeing Breaks: Promote short walks, mindfulness sessions, or even “quiet rooms” for decompressing on tough days.

  
  

• Regular Supervision and Debriefs: Give staff a safe space to discuss challenges and reflect.

  
  

Why it matters: High turnover in care often stems from burnout. Investing in carers’ wellbeing keeps staff motivated, confident, and compassionate.

2. Foster Emotional Safety and Open Communication

A culture of wellbeing is rooted in emotional safety. That means creating an environment where staff and service users feel safe to express themselves — without fear of being ignored or punished.

How to create that space:

• Hold regular team check-ins that go beyond task lists — ask, “How are you today, really?”

  
  

• Create anonymous feedback options for raising concerns.

  
  

• Actively listen to all feedback and demonstrate follow-up.

  
  

• Involve service users in decision-making as much as possible.

  
  

Why it matters: When people feel heard and seen, they develop trust. And trust is essential for emotional and psychological wellbeing.

3. Promote Autonomy and Choice for Those You Support

True person-centred care is rooted in choice. Wellbeing is deeply tied to having control over one’s life — no matter a person’s ability or support needs.

Ideas to promote autonomy:

• Ask: "What would you like to wear today?" instead of making the choice for them.

  
  

• Offer different activity options each day — even if it’s simply “Would you like a walk now or after lunch?”

  
  

• Involve individuals in planning meals, routines, or outings.

  
  

• Use visual aids or communication tools for people with non-verbal communication.

  
  

Why it matters: Being supported doesn't mean being controlled. Empowering people builds confidence and encourages self-worth.

4. Celebrate Small Wins and Big Achievements

Recognition is powerful. It motivates, boosts morale, and reinforces a sense of purpose. And in care, small victories matter.

Ways to celebrate:

• Display artwork, completed projects, or thank-you notes on a “Wall of Achievement.”

  
  

• Recognise staff with “Star of the Week” shout-outs or handwritten notes.

  
  

• Acknowledge service users’ progress — even if it's just trying a new food or joining an activity.

  
  

Why it matters: Celebration fuels connection. It reminds people they are seen, appreciated, and progressing.

5. Design Wellbeing-Focused Spaces

Environment has a direct effect on mood, focus, and health. A welcoming care space doesn't need to be expensive — just thoughtful.

Environmental tweaks that help:

• Use soft lighting, calming colours, and personal touches.

  
  

• Offer sensory spaces or quiet corners for those with autism, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities.

  
  

• Make outdoor spaces accessible and inviting.

  
  

• Keep communal areas uncluttered and visually calming.

  
  

Why it matters: People thrive in spaces that support their sensory and emotional needs. A peaceful space leads to a peaceful mind.

6. Provide Ongoing Wellbeing Training

Training shouldn’t stop at regulations and safety — it should include emotional intelligence, stress management, and communication skills.

Training topics to explore:

• Mindfulness and resilience for carers

  
  

• Recognising and preventing burnout

  
  

• Positive behaviour support strategies

  
  

• Trauma-informed care

  
  

• Supporting service user wellbeing through routines, diet, and movement

  
  

Why it matters: The more confident and equipped staff feel, the more compassionate and consistent their care becomes.

7. Build Stronger Community Connections

Isolation is a barrier to wellbeing — for staff and service users alike. Bringing people together through community involvement can reduce loneliness and build joy.

Examples include:

• Invite local artists, musicians, or therapy animals to visit.

  
  

• Host community coffee mornings or seasonal events.

  
  

• Collaborate with schools or colleges on volunteering projects.

  
  

• Encourage shared mealtimes or themed activity days.

  
  

Why it matters: Human connection is a basic need. Building bridges between the care setting and the wider community strengthens everyone involved.

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A culture of wellbeing isn’t created overnight. It’s built through consistent, everyday actions — a listening ear, a smile, a choice offered, a moment taken to pause and breathe.

This World Wellbeing Week, let’s remember the wellbeing of our carers and the people they support go hand in hand. By caring for each other, we care better for everyone.