A further study highlights the significant benefits of caffeine reduction for care home residents and staff alike
Care England, the leading voice for adult social care providers, in partnership with Bramley Court Care Home, Histon, Cambridgeshire, has released the latest findings from their third study, highlighting the remarkable advantages of a decaffeination approach in dementia care settings and the impact on care staff. Conducted at the Outstanding-rated Bramley Court Care Home, the trial provides compelling evidence that reducing caffeine consumption among both residents and staff enhances wellbeing, reduces falls, and fosters a more supportive care environment.
Despite the well-documented effects of caffeine on sleep, agitation, and fall prevention, its role in care homes is the gift which keeps giving. Inspired by previous studies and expert recommendations, Bramley Court implemented a decaffeination trial, tracking its impact on resident behaviour, sleep quality, staff wellbeing, and overall care dynamics, and whilst delivering exceptional results in keeping with the two earlier Stow Healthcare and Cornerstone studies for residents, also saw a positive impact on the workforce. Residents were given the choice to opt-out or not participate at any time throughout the choice.
Key findings from the study include:
- 77% reduction in resident falls, reinforcing previous research linking caffeine reduction with enhanced stability and mobility.
- 97% of staff chose to remain caffeine-free after the trial reporting improvements in sleep quality and job satisfaction.
- 62% increase in sleep duration, with some residents gaining up to six additional hours of rest per night.
- Complete elimination of resident-to-resident
- Significant reduction in staff turnover, with attrition dropping from 21% pre-trial to just 9% post-trial over a six-month period.
- altercations within the dementia community.
- Staff blood pressure and pulse rates returning to normal levels.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, commented:
“This study is a testament to the power of evidence-based care innovation. Bramley Court has shown how a simple, yet impactful, change – making decaffeination the default – can dramatically improve both resident outcomes and staff wellbeing. The results underscore the potential for wider adoption across the sector and should serve as a catalyst for change.”
Judith Wroe, Home Manager at Bramley Court Care Home, added:
“The improvements we’ve seen in our residents have been extraordinary. From better sleep to increased engagement in meaningful activities, the results speak for themselves. What’s more, our staff have also benefited immensely, with lower stress levels, improved overall health and a halving in staff turnover.”
This trial’s success highlights the importance of decaffeination as a critical element in holistic dementia care strategies. Given the overwhelmingly positive outcomes for both residents and staff, Care England is advocating for the broader adoption of caffeine reduction initiatives across care homes nationwide.
For more information, contact policy@careengland.org.uk or visit https://www.careengland.org.uk/decaf/.
Read the full report here