Improving the quality of life and health of people living in care homes is a priority, but care home residents are generally under-served in research studies. We support the care community to become research aware and actively take part in research that suits their home.

We foster the co-creation of research by bringing together care home staff, residents and their families with researchers. The Welsh network is connected to the national ENRICH regional networks across England and Scotland. We support a wide range of research studies, from topics such as; the Welsh language, the care home environment, new healthcare technologies and nutrition, exercise – to name a few.

Members of the network receive regular updates, free training, advice on overcoming challenges in research and support in identifying care homes and residents to take part in studies.

As a nursing professional, there are several routes to engaging with the world of research in care homes. For example, you could raise awareness about the value of research to colleagues working in care homes and encourage the home to sign-up to the ENRICH Cymru network to find out about the latest studies open in Wales. You could consider working part-time and undertaking an academic qualification such as an academic degree or other foundation training opportunities which are offered for free as part of joining the ENRICH Cymru network. Health and Care Research Wales also offers a range of free training courses to health and social care professionals to support your research journey, and contribute towards your re-validation.

If you’re a care home professional interested in research, there’s a place for you in the network. Whether you just want to hear about the latest developments in research or you’re ready to help in delivering research in your home, sign up to the network for updates or email the team for more information.

Watch this short video to learn more about ENRICH Cymru Network.