In the tapestry of a community, the care home should be a vital thread, weaving connections that bind neighbours, families, and individuals into a resilient fabric of support and compassion.
At its core, localism will find a poignant expression within care homes, where relatives, neighbours, and residents come together in a shared journey of care and belonging.
Localist care homes will be required to complement the homes of local people unable to care for themselves or be cared for at home due to physical or mental inability.
In the localism culture, the care home will become more than just a facility – it will transform into a nurturing sanctuary deeply embedded within its locality. Here, familial bonds intertwine with the community’s support, creating a symbiotic relationship that enriches the lives of all involved.
Relatives, drawn by proximity and a shared sense of responsibility, will play an integral role by caring for their loved ones within these community-centric care homes.
Beyond occasional visits, they will actively engage in residents’ daily lives, lending a personal touch that transcends care’s institutional and clinical aspects. Whether it’s spending quality time, sharing cherished memories, or simply being comforting, relatives become indispensable pillars of support within the care home environment.
The essence of localism will extend beyond familial ties. It will permeate through the very pores of the community, fostering a culture of collective responsibility and solidarity. Residents, recognising their self-interests, will see the importance of their care home within the neighbourhood and rally together to contribute, creating a network of support that extends well beyond the confines of familial obligations.
From homemade meals to hand-knitted garments, the community will contribute what they can to the care home, ensuring every resident feels cherished and valued.
Books, magazines, and other forms of entertainment given to the home will provide enrichment and diversion. Through these gestures, the care home becomes both a place of residence and a vibrant hub of its community.
There is a profound attachment to locality at the heart of this interconnectedness. Residents who have called the area their home for years develop a deep-rooted affinity for their surroundings. They find solace and security in familiar faces, comfort in shared stories, and a sense of belonging that transcends mere residency. To expect them to move away as their end-of-life approaches is cruel and will become more so as the economy shrinks. The support of their family living within the community will be so important.
Localism will become increasingly important as the impact of the shrinking economy becomes more evident.
Who should live in localist care homes?
Localist care homes must be available only for genuinely local people who have lived in the area for maybe 15 years.
The possibility of outsiders living in the local care home(s) will spark local apprehension and resistance. It would disrupt the delicate balance of familiarity and continuity that defines localism.
From my experience, local people do not want elderly or disabled outsiders they don’t know to be imposed on their community.
This raises the issue of who will live in a locality which defines itself as localist.
The ethos of localism will gradually develop in a locality. Ownership of new-build houses in such areas must be limited to long-term (15-year) residents and their children: this will establish the caring ethos.
In the tapestry of localism, the care home emerges as a beacon of unity and compassion, where relatives, neighbours, and residents converge in a shared commitment to nurturing and supporting one another. It will be a testament to the power of community, where bonds forged in proximity and shared experiences weave together the very essence of belonging.
As we embrace the ideals of localism, care homes will play an invaluable role in fostering connections that transcend boundaries and enrich lives with every thread of compassion and care.
