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The diversity of befriending by, and of, older people
- Authors:
- MORIARTY Jo, MANTHORPE Jill
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 21(2), 2017, pp.63-71.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: There is increasing interest in befriending services that aim to combat loneliness among older people. The purpose of this paper is to use the Equality Act 2010 as a framework for considering why older people might need these services and why some groups are over and under represented among service users. Design/methodology/approach: Databases, websites and other resources were searched systematically for material on befriending. The final review consisted of 80 items, ranging from research articles, reports, and toolkits. Findings: Individual face to face befriending has been the mainstay of the type of befriending support for older people. The increasing diversity of the older population and reductions in funding has led to adaptations of this model for different groups living in different circumstances. Research limitations/implications: The resources and time available to conduct the review were limited. It is possible that some relevant material was not identified. Practical implications: Practitioners working with older people need to know about befriending schemes available in their area and consider the reasons why some groups of older people might be reluctant to use them or require specialist schemes. Originality/value: Existing research on befriending rarely reports the demographic characteristics of those using the service in detail or considers why some groups of older people might have greater needs for befriending services or be reluctant to use them. The Equality Act 2010 provides a structured framework for considering diversity in access to, and use of, services. (Publisher abstract)
Diversity in older people and access to services: an evidence review
- Authors:
- MORIARTY Jo, MANTHORPE Jill
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 97p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Age UK commissioned this literature review to provide information on equality and diversity issues relevant to older people living in the United Kingdom in relation to the following areas: falls prevention, home from hospital services, practical support at home (e.g. handyperson services), befriending, and day opportunities. The review was structured around the experiences of older people in terms of their protected characteristics, as defined in the Equality Act 2010 (age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation). The findings are discussed in terms of need, access, outcomes, user experiences and user engagement. While some of the services discussed are associated with use of health and social care services, others relate to wider elements of wellbeing, such as home repairs and modification, or a community support service and befriending that have roots in the voluntary sector. Many of the areas considered cross different sectors. The key conclusion of this scoping review is that, despite the longstanding nature of equalities legislation in terms of sex, race, and disability, the number of studies specifically designed to measure inequality in terms of these characteristics remains tiny.