Taking the community into the home

The changing demographics of the population are such that there is an increasing need for care for frail older people with both physical and mental health problems. At the same time, the increased migration of workers and their families means that care provision now has to embrace a range of cultures. The present paper explores how the concept of cultural safety has importance for those planning and providing care for older adults. The recognition that removing individuals with mental health problems from their own environment causes increased disorientation and confusion has led to some organisations trying to maintain the community aspects of life when independent living is no longer possible. The present paper focuses on two such organisations in the Netherlands, demonstrating how they have changed their practice to improve and enhance the quality of life of their clientele through 'taking the community into the home'. Whilst sharing the same goals and aspirations, each organisation, serves a different population, and therefore, has developed a unique approach.