Therapeutic & Wellness Programmes
In line with current CQC expectations and modern adult social care practice, Karuna Care London intends to offer a structured Therapeutic and Wellness programme that sits alongside everyday activities. The purpose of this programme is to support physical health, emotional wellbeing and psychological resilience, so that residents are not only safe and cared for, but also have opportunities to feel calmer, stronger and more settled in themselves.
Working with health and wellbeing professionals
Once the service is operational, we plan to work closely with local health and wellbeing professionals. The intention is to maintain regular input from GPs and community nurses, and to seek involvement from other practitioners such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and, where appropriate, mental health professionals or counsellors.
For residents who experience anxiety, low mood, grief or emotional distress, we will aim to ensure that confidential support is available, either through internal one to one sessions with trained staff or through referral to external counselling or psychological services. This integrated approach is designed to help residents feel heard, supported and taken seriously when they are struggling.
Personalised and multidisciplinary approach
Each resident will have a personalised care and support plan which includes health and wellbeing goals. Staff will monitor changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite and mobility, and will record and share relevant observations with appropriate professionals.
The intention is to use a multidisciplinary approach so that issues are identified early and addressed in a coordinated way. For example, if someone develops joint pain or reduced mobility, the key worker can liaise with the GP and physiotherapist to adapt exercise and support. If a resident appears more withdrawn or worried than usual, calming activities, increased one to one time and, where needed, a mental health review can be arranged. The focus is on prevention and early intervention rather than reacting only when difficulties have become severe.
Elements of the wellness programme
The Therapeutic and Wellness programme is expected to include a range of complementary strands, tailored to individual needs and preferences, such as:
- Gentle physical activity
Chair based exercise, stretching, balance practice and short walks, adapted to each person’s ability, to support strength, flexibility and circulation. - Relaxation and sensory approaches
Quiet spaces, relaxation sessions, breathing exercises, hand massage, calming music and other sensory activities which can reduce agitation and promote a sense of comfort. - Cognitive and emotional support
Reminiscence activities, life story work, structured conversation groups and one to one key worker sessions, offering space for residents to talk about their experiences, worries and hopes. - Meaningful occupation
Activities such as gardening, simple domestic tasks, creative work and hobbies that residents enjoy, helping to sustain a sense of purpose and identity. - Animal assisted and nature based input (where appropriate)
Subject to risk assessment and resident preference, this may include occasional visits from therapy animals or supported time in the garden and local green spaces, which can be especially soothing for some individuals.
Participation in these elements will always be voluntary and adjusted to what feels comfortable and beneficial for each person.
A holistic view of life in the home
The Therapeutic and Wellness programme is not intended to sit apart from daily life, but to be woven through it. Staff will be encouraged to view every interaction as an opportunity to support wellbeing, whether that is helping someone to manage pain, offering reassurance during a difficult moment, or recognising when a resident needs space and quiet rather than activity.
Our aim is that Karuna Care London feels like a place of stability, recovery and personal growth, where residents can maintain and, where possible, improve their physical and emotional health. By combining structured activities, individual support and professional input, we intend to create a home environment that promotes both comfort and resilience.
Regulatory status
Karuna Care London is currently progressing through registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and the home is not yet open to residents. The Therapeutic and Wellness programme described on this page forms part of our proposed model of support and will be introduced once CQC registration and all necessary approvals have been granted.