The author summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme which examined services for homeless people with complex needs and suggest better ways of working. The study used multiple methods including a survey to explore the overlap between homelessness, drug and alcohol dependencies, institutional experiences and street culture activities (such as begging or sex work). It was found that homeless people were routinely excluded from community care assessment and sectors had poor understanding of how Fair Access to Care Eligibility might be applied in the context of multiple exclusion homelessness. Since the advent of the Supporting People programme and the introduction of a wide range of specialist housing-related support services, social workers play a much reduced role in direct work with homeless adults. However, this research identifies a need for social workers to re-engage with this area of practice. Key practice implications for social workers are highlighted.
The author summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme which examined services for homeless people with complex needs and suggest better ways of working. The study used multiple methods including a survey to explore the overlap between homelessness, drug and alcohol dependencies, institutional experiences and street culture activities (such as begging or sex work). It was found that homeless people were routinely excluded from community care assessment and sectors had poor understanding of how Fair Access to Care Eligibility might be applied in the context of multiple exclusion homelessness. Since the advent of the Supporting People programme and the introduction of a wide range of specialist housing-related support services, social workers play a much reduced role in direct work with homeless adults. However, this research identifies a need for social workers to re-engage with this area of practice. Key practice implications for social workers are highlighted.
Subject terms:
homeless people, homelessness, integrated services, interagency cooperation, social exclusion, social workers, substance misuse;
The findings of a research study comparing the experiences and outcomes for home care reablement users with those receiving conventional home care are discussed. In the study, service users from home care reablement services in five English local authorities and users as of conventional home care from five other local authorities were interviewed and followed up by interview nine to 12 months later. The study found that reablement works for people who need support to regain their independence or to improve their quality of life and did not appear to cost more. The full report provides a number of points for commissioners to consider when delivering home care.
The findings of a research study comparing the experiences and outcomes for home care reablement users with those receiving conventional home care are discussed. In the study, service users from home care reablement services in five English local authorities and users as of conventional home care from five other local authorities were interviewed and followed up by interview nine to 12 months later. The study found that reablement works for people who need support to regain their independence or to improve their quality of life and did not appear to cost more. The full report provides a number of points for commissioners to consider when delivering home care.
Subject terms:
home care, independence, local authorities, older people, outcomes, quality of life, reablement, user views, cost effectiveness;
The findings from a report which describes the likely changes in the age structure of the black and minority groups in England and Wales are summarised and reviewed. The report 'The future ageing of the ethnic minority population of England and Wales', published by the Centre for Policy on Ageing and Runnymede, uses data on fertility, mortality and migration to make projections of the number and profile of older people from ethnic minorities. Although it is difficult to make accurate predictions, the report is recommended for planners to think about the types and amount of support that may be needed in the future.
The findings from a report which describes the likely changes in the age structure of the black and minority groups in England and Wales are summarised and reviewed. The report 'The future ageing of the ethnic minority population of England and Wales', published by the Centre for Policy on Ageing and Runnymede, uses data on fertility, mortality and migration to make projections of the number and profile of older people from ethnic minorities. Although it is difficult to make accurate predictions, the report is recommended for planners to think about the types and amount of support that may be needed in the future.
Subject terms:
life expectancy, older people, black and minority ethnic people, demographics, diversity;
A recent study from the Audit Commission into joint working and financing between health and social care. 'Means to an end: joint financing across health and social care' is reviewed. The study drew on a literature review and a survey sent to auditors of all councils and primary care trusts in England in 2008. It was found that joint working between health and social care is current under utilised, inspite of the benefits it can bring to service users and in terms of cost savings.
A recent study from the Audit Commission into joint working and financing between health and social care. 'Means to an end: joint financing across health and social care' is reviewed. The study drew on a literature review and a survey sent to auditors of all councils and primary care trusts in England in 2008. It was found that joint working between health and social care is current under utilised, inspite of the benefits it can bring to service users and in terms of cost savings.
Subject terms:
joint working, learning disabilities services, joint financing, local authorities, mental health services, primary care trusts, adult social care;
The UK is heavily reliant on migrant workers to provide care and support for older people. This article reviews a report by the policy research centre Compas which looks at the sustainability of this source of labour within new systems of social care. The report sets out current patterns of social care work, patterns of demand and supply, and the growth of direct employment of care staff. The authors conclude migration should be planned, and that there is a long way to go before social care is self-sufficient in staffing.
The UK is heavily reliant on migrant workers to provide care and support for older people. This article reviews a report by the policy research centre Compas which looks at the sustainability of this source of labour within new systems of social care. The report sets out current patterns of social care work, patterns of demand and supply, and the growth of direct employment of care staff. The authors conclude migration should be planned, and that there is a long way to go before social care is self-sufficient in staffing.
Subject terms:
labour market, migrants, older people, social care provision, adult social care, care workers;
The author reports on research which aimed to examine the impact on carers of people receiving individual budgets and the outcomes for carers of this new approach.
The author reports on research which aimed to examine the impact on carers of people receiving individual budgets and the outcomes for carers of this new approach.
Subject terms:
outcomes, personal budgets, quality of life, carers;
Assesses the findings of a study which aimed to identify a group of indicators to measure the extent to which older people are treated with dignity and respect by health and social care professionals. The research included reviewing existing qualitative studies; focus group discussions with care home residents, home care service users, and people who had recently returned from hospital; and interviews with key individuals form organisations representing older people.
Assesses the findings of a study which aimed to identify a group of indicators to measure the extent to which older people are treated with dignity and respect by health and social care professionals. The research included reviewing existing qualitative studies; focus group discussions with care home residents, home care service users, and people who had recently returned from hospital; and interviews with key individuals form organisations representing older people.
Subject terms:
hospitals, older people, performance indicators, quality of life, care homes, dignity;
A recent evaluation by the Individual Budget Evaluation Network found concerns over potential financial and individual risks of harm and transition plans. This article looks at the concerns.
A recent evaluation by the Individual Budget Evaluation Network found concerns over potential financial and individual risks of harm and transition plans. This article looks at the concerns.
In the second of three articles from the Individual Budget Evaluation Network, this article looks at the findings of an evaluation of the views of social care staff at the frontline of care management. Generally, most staff welcomed individual budgets. The findings also raise questions about the type of professional development and support that will be needed for staff working with Individual Budgets.
In the second of three articles from the Individual Budget Evaluation Network, this article looks at the findings of an evaluation of the views of social care staff at the frontline of care management. Generally, most staff welcomed individual budgets. The findings also raise questions about the type of professional development and support that will be needed for staff working with Individual Budgets.
Subject terms:
personal budgets, social care staff, social workers, staff development, attitudes;
A recent evaluation of the 13 individual budget pilots found that individual budgets worked well for most groups. The research was carried out by researchers from three social care research units, collectively known as the Individual Budgets Evaluation Network. This article summarises findings comparing users of individual budgets with similar individuals receiving traditional services.
A recent evaluation of the 13 individual budget pilots found that individual budgets worked well for most groups. The research was carried out by researchers from three social care research units, collectively known as the Individual Budgets Evaluation Network. This article summarises findings comparing users of individual budgets with similar individuals receiving traditional services.
Subject terms:
local authorities, personal budgets, service users, evaluation;