This retired carer explains that small changes could significantly improve daily care, especially increasing staffing levels to reduce workloads, allow a more sensible pace, and give carers greater autonomy to use their professional judgement rather than working “robotically”.

They describe how having time and freedom would enable person-centred decisions, such as letting someone rest in bed or get up later if tired, providing a shower or bath when requested, or supporting someone’s right to go outside for a cigarette.

They note that these seemingly small decisions add up, and that staff are often forced to deny requests because others have higher needs at the time.