Managing Residential Care

'You feel that John Burton really knows what he is writing about and indeed he has drawn on his considerable experience of managing residential homes ... however this is no conventional tome on management ... there is useful practical advice and guidance ... it's real value is the way it holds the focus on what really matters - the residents - and how good management can ensure this remains the case ... I found the book inspiring and feel sure it would be of value to managers in a variety of settings .. I thoroughly recommend the book, it certainly re-enthused me.' - Association for Social Care - The Trainers' Professional Voice

'The definitive text on nursing homes - a powerful, gripping account of the realities of care in the community ... the author writes with great sensitivity and the case histories demonstrate his understanding of people and how they act and react ... also illuminates those aspects of residential care that are usually hidden ... an impeccably referenced book, it is also an intelligent, penetrating, powerful critique of the current system in which homes are starved of resources. Policy-makers, directors of social services and managers may find this book uncomfortable at times but they cannot ignore it. It will make readers think and help managers to manage better.' Linda Nazarko, Director of Nursing, Registered Nursing Homes Association, in Nursing Times

'Highly readable and entertaining ... Burton is not afraid to speak bluntly when necessary about the negative effects of ineffectual and duplicitous management ... I would recommend this book to anyone working in or with residential services. Burton's diatribe will challenge and undoubtedly make some readers very angry. But it will also inspire.' - Mental Health Care

'the first book of its kind: a substantial account of the task of managing residential care, written by someone who has worked in the service at every level, and who has lived with both the joys and frustrations of the work from all perspectives. ... a fierce compassion fro both service users and staff ... Many practitioners and managers will be excited and inspired by the whole approach and 'voice' of the book. ... This is an imaginative text in every sense. ... The details and personalities described, including those of many service users, are utterly convincing ... This device of a network of extended case studies is a sophisticated one ... which, when executed as well as he does here, is a most effective way of demonstrating the complexity and subtlety of the work. ... well evidenced and compellingly argued.' - British Journal of Social Work, Dec 1998

'I commend this book unreservedly for those engaged in the task of management in residential homes and for those who enjoy quality writing. It is a manual for managers and practitioners at all stages in their careers.' - Professional Social Work May 1999

'To gain useful insight into what it is really like to work in a residential care setting - look no further than this volume.' - CAIPE Bulletin (UK Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education) No 15 Autumn 1998