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Project Decaf – how Stow Healthcare used science to improve their care

We hear about Stow Healthcare’s Project Decaf, which has helped reduce falls by getting those it supports to switch to decaffeinated drinks!!

The mission of social care is to enhance the lives of those being support in any way possible. Stow Healthcare is taking this goal seriously, combining compassion with a scientific approach to improve residents' well-being.

Working closely with Care England and Sarah Coombes, nurse and continence specialist from University Hospitals of Leicester, Stow Healthcare set out to investigate the impact of introducing decaffeinated drinks on falls among care home residents. This initiative is particularly important because falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the over-75s and cost the NHS £4.4 billion annually.

Caffeine, known to be a diuretic, can irritate the bladder and bowel, leading to more frequent and urgent trips to the toilet. In Leicester's acute care setting, switching to decaf drinks resulted in a 30% reduction in falls. Inspired by these findings, Stow Healthcare decided to trial this approach across its eight nursing and residential homes.

Stow Healthcare’s residents were eager to support the project - 89% opted into the trial after blind taste tests and discussions about the potential benefits. Over six months, staff recorded data on falls, noting circumstances, timings, and locations.

The results were remarkable. Analysis with Care England revealed a 37.59% reduction in falls as a proportion of occupancy and a 29.21% reduction in falls associated with toileting. One resident, Robert, shared his experience:

Project Decaf has been a resounding success which has led to measurable positive outcomes for residents across the board. Well done Stow Healthcare, Care England, Sarah Coombes and their resident participants!

Find out more about Project Decaf by visiting Stow Healthcare’s website -

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