RecruitingObservational

Safety and autonomy for everyone at Home. Understanding safety, risks and harm-benefit balances arising from home-based care.

This study is trying to make care provided in people's homes safer, especially for older adults. While home care is really important, we need to understand more about what makes it good and completely safe. Researchers will look at existing studies and talk to people who work in home care, as well as those who receive care and their families. They want to learn about the potential good things and possible problems with home care, and find ways to make it better. Taking part means sharing your experiences in a chat, which could help improve home care for many people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Care received at home, focusing on older adults (>60 years old).

What is this study about?

This study, called SAFE@HOME, is all about making sure that care given in people's homes is as safe and helpful as possible. Many older adults receive care at home, which allows them to stay in their own comfortable surroundings. However, we don't fully understand all the challenges and best practices around home care yet. This research aims to understand these better, looking at what works well, what the potential risks are, and how to find the right balance so that everyone gets the best support.

The research team will gather information in a few ways. They will carefully review lots of existing research and reports about home care to see what has already been learned. They will also talk to people who are involved in home care, including those who plan and manage services, the care workers who provide hands-on support, and crucially, the people who actually receive care at home and their families.

The main goal is to understand how we can make home care more effective, safer, and ensure people feel in control of their own care. By collecting different viewpoints and existing knowledge, the study hopes to find practical ways to improve home care services across the UK, helping more people to live safely and independently at home.

Key takeaways

A UK study aiming to improve safety and quality of home care.
Looking for insights from both care professionals and people receiving care.
Participation involves sharing experiences in a discussion or interview.
Could help make home care better for many people in the future.
No direct personal risks, but discussions may be sensitive.
Funded by a major UK health research body.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for two main types of people to share their experiences.

Firstly, they need adults who work in planning, managing, or providing home-based care. This could be care workers, team leaders, or managers from different parts of the UK. You need to be over 18 years old and able to understand and agree to take part.

Secondly, they are looking for people over 60 who are currently receiving home-based care in Wales, or who used to receive home care but now live in a care home. Their family members or carers (both paid and unpaid) can also take part. If someone receiving care can't agree to take part themselves, a family member can speak on their behalf. You need to be able to understand and agree to participate in the study discussions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult involved in managing or delivering care at home?
Are you over 60 and currently receive home care in Wales?
Are you over 60 and used to receive home care in Wales but now live in a care home?
Are you a family member or carer for someone who receives/received home care in Wales?
Are you willing and able to understand and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to join a conversation with the research team. This will be either in a group chat, called a 'focus group,' or in a one-on-one interview.

Professionals involved in home care might join a one-hour focus group with others or have a private interview with a researcher. If you receive care at home, or are a family member or carer, you will be invited for a one-on-one interview to talk about your experiences and thoughts.

The researchers will talk to you about the study and make sure you understand what you're agreeing to before you start. The entire process of giving your feedback will be kept private and handled with care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could really help improve how care is given in people's homes for others in the future. While there are no clear personal health benefits or expected risks to you, some of the conversations might involve talking about private or emotional topics. The research team is trained to handle these discussions gently and respectfully, and you can stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Cardiff University
Approximate
Cardiff, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

To understand how to make care provided in people's homes safer and better for everyone, especially older adults.

Who can take part in this study?

Professionals involved in home care, and people over 60 who receive home care (or used to), their families, and carers in Wales.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll be asked to share your experiences and views in a group discussion (focus group) or a one-on-one interview.

Will I get any payment for taking part?

The information provided does not mention any payment for participation.

Who is running this study?

Cardiff University is running the study, and it's funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

How to find out more

Deborah Morgan

D.J.Morgan@Swansea.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.