Staff clothing and uniforms in care homes for older people: a scoping review and analysis of online content

Abstract Background Long-term care policy and practice continue to promote institutional living at the expense of support for ageing in place. Improving experiences of care home residents requires recognising care homes as places of everyday living, moving beyond clinical models to support ‘living with care’ rather than ‘existing in care’. Staff uniforms are ubiquitous in care homes yet remain relatively unexamined. Unlike hospitals, care homes are places where older people live, and uniforms may contribute to the medicalisation of ageing. Non-uniform approaches could support home-like environments and resident wellbeing. An emerging trend of non-uniform dress codes in UK care homes warrants evidence synthesis. Methods We conducted a scoping review in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searching six bibliographic databases to April 2026. Supplementary searches of care sector websites, charity platforms, and public discussion forums captured perspectives beyond academic literature. Included sources spanned empirical studies and non-academic public content addressing staff clothing in care homes for older adults. Results Fifty-eight records were included, describing 13 empirical studies and 36 public discourse cases; only a minority of research records (8; 35%) were peer-reviewed. Seven themes were identified: health and hygiene; identification, care home atmosphere; changing behaviours; perspectives and preferences; perceptions and connotations; and decision making. Despite a limited evidence base, available research suggests non-uniform policies do not compromise hygiene or resident health, and may reduce anxiety, support independence and foster relational, homelike environments. Public discourse presented a more contested picture, with both approaches carrying perceived advantages and tensions. Conclusion Staff clothing is a socially embedded aspect of care practice. Research evidence suggests non-uniform policies do not compromise safety and may actively support resident wellbeing and relational engagement. However, public discourse reflects genuine concerns around professionalism, identification and individuality that empirical research has not fully addressed. Context-sensitive, resident-centred decision making and research prioritising direct engagement with residents are needed.