As winter flu season has finally started to ease and we begin to enjoy the coming of spring, those of us working in independent health and social care—particularly in care homes—can take a moment to reflect.

Winter is always one of the toughest times of the year. Increased hospital admissions, staff sickness, outbreaks, and the ongoing pressures of providing the best care possible in difficult circumstances can take their toll. But if there’s one thing that always stands out, it’s the resilience of the staff who keep going, despite everything.

This resilience doesn’t just come from individuals—it comes from strong teams, supportive leaders, and a culture of trust that helps us all get through the most challenging days.

Why Resilience Matters in Care

Resilience isn’t just about "keeping going"—it’s about adapting, learning, and growing from the challenges we face. The last few years have tested us like never before, exposing the cracks in staffing, crisis planning, and support systems. But they’ve also highlighted just how committed, resourceful, and determined our workforce really is.

In independent care settings, resilience means finding ways to support each other, manage stress, and prevent burnout. It’s about making sure people feel valued and know that their well-being matters just as much as that of the people they care for. If we don’t look after our teams, how can we expect them to keep looking after others?

Leadership: Holding Everything Together

Resilience isn’t something that happens on its own—it’s built through strong, compassionate leadership. And leadership in a care home isn’t just about job titles - it’s about how we show up for each other, how we listen, and how we support our teams through the highs and the lows.

Good leaders:

• Lead with empathy, understanding the emotional toll of care work
• Foster a culture of trust, so staff feel comfortable asking for help
• Encourage shared decision-making, making sure frontline carers feel heard
• Put staff well-being at the heart of their approach, because we can’t afford to lose more people to burnout

In times of crisis, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being there, checking in on people, and making sure no one feels like they’re carrying the burden alone.

Trust: The Foundation of a Strong Team

A care home only works well when there’s trust—trust between staff and leadership, between colleagues, and between carers and residents. Without trust, communication breaks down, morale dips, and people feel isolated.

So how do we build trust?

• Consistency – following through on promises and treating people fairly
• Transparency – keeping staff informed about decisions and changes
• Support – making sure people feel safe to ask for help, without fear of judgment

When trust is there, teams are stronger, staff are more likely to stay, and the quality of care improves. It’s one of the simplest but most powerful ways to build resilience.
Keeping It Together: The Power of a Supportive Team

The reality is that working in care will always have its challenges. But having a strong, supportive team makes all the difference. That’s why it’s so important to create a workplace culture where people feel appreciated, valued, and part of something bigger.

Looking Ahead

Spring is a time of renewal, reflection, and growth. After months of relentless pressure, it’s important to pause, reset, and think about how we can keep supporting each other—not just for now, but for the long term.

The lessons of this winter—about trust, leadership, and teamwork—are ones we should hold onto. Because care work isn’t just about getting through tough times. It’s about thriving, feeling valued, and knowing that no matter what comes next, we have each other’s backs.

As the North West England Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC), I’ve seen first-hand the resilience, compassion, and strength of those working in care homes. And I know that many of you are still dealing with the same daily pressures, navigating challenges that don’t just disappear when winter ends.

I want you to know that I’m here—to support you through the difficult times and to celebrate your successes. Whether you want to get more involved with the RCN’s leadership programmes or explore how to become more active as a member within your local branch, I’d love to hear from you.

If you ever want to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at melissa.stanton@rcn.org.uk, and let’s talk about how we can continue to strengthen our profession together.

Don't forget to register for our annual regional IHSC conference, taking place in late April in St Helens. We'll be exploring the importance of research and innovation in IHSC. Find out more and book your place here.