Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Release the pressure
- Authors:
- BOLOT Tim, PHILLIPS Scott
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 123(6357), 28 June 2013, p.32.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Highlights key lessons from US regulators that could help inform the UK care home sector. The first, that in the long run providing health and social care services in the home are much less expensive and more effective than providing them in a hospital or care home setting. The second, than individuals must be expected to assume some responsibility for their housing needs in old age, not all can be met by the government. Developments in the US have resulted in expanding privately assisted living (residential and social care); focusing on delivering economies of scale; and moving activity to the lowest cost setting that is appropriate. (Original abstract)
The effectiveness of local authority social services' occupational therapy for older people in Great Britain: a critical literature review
- Authors:
- BONIFACE Gail, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(12), 2013, pp.538-547.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This literature review systematically selected, critically appraised, and thematically synthesized the post 2000 published and unpublished evidence on the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for older people in social care services. Identified themes established: the localized nature of social care services for older people; organizational and policy impacts on services, and factors influencing effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Although occupational therapists are increasingly involved in rehabilitation and reablement, there is a continuing focus on equipment and adaptations provision. A high level of service user satisfaction was identified, once timely occupational therapy services were received. Overall, occupational therapy in social care is perceived as effective in improving quality of life for older people and their carers, and cost effective in making savings for other social and healthcare services. However, the complex nature of social care services makes it difficult to disaggregate the effectiveness of occupational therapy from other services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Managing the challenge to social housing of an ageing English population
- Author:
- JONES Colin
- Journal article citation:
- Housing Care and Support, 16(3/4), 2013, pp.106-113.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the management of the (accessible) social housing stock as a means to achieve a cost effective solution to meeting the needs of an ageing population. The paper examines the costs and effectiveness of an accessible housing register (AHR) as the primary means social landlords have to utilise accessible housing stock efficiently. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines the cost effectiveness of the most advanced AHR in the UK. The data for the study was collected in 2009 (costs/expenditure quoted relate to that year) and is derived from a combination of interrogating computerised allocation records and the collection of information on costs through interviews with local authority staff. Findings: The concept of an AHR can involve substantial set up costs. The financial analysis to assess their cost effectiveness proves complex but suggests that an efficient full register could be more than justified in these terms if it led to a reduction in costs, through the removal of the need for a relatively small number of adaptations in the first years of a tenancy. Originality/value: This is the first study that assesses the financial case for AHRs. (Publisher abstract)
Valuing older workers in the voluntary sector
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 17(3), 2013, pp.109-116.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose – This paper reports on research into the employment of older workers, paid and unpaid, in the voluntary sector. It draws on six case studies which were the research focus. The research was designed to test the hypothesis that the voluntary sector has been in the forefront of utilising the knowledge, skills and talents of older workers and to draw out practical guidance for other organisations in this and other sectors. Design/methodology/approach – The author consulted over 30 people with a known interest in older workforce issues and/or employment in the voluntary sector and, from these discussions, identified six organisations to be the subject of structured telephone interviews. The interviewees were all at chief executive or senior management level. Findings – The research confirmed that older workers, whether they are paid employees or volunteers, are of great value to the voluntary sector. This is because of their life experience and skills and, particularly in the case of volunteers, their availability and flexibility. The six organisations on which the research focused provided excellent examples of good practice. However, this does not generally involve employment policies and practices with a specific focus on older workers but, rather, policies and practices which embrace older workers. Originality/value – Earlier research has usually focused on the private and public sectors. South East England Forum on Ageing wanted this project to focus specifically on the voluntary sector and this decision was vindicated by the fact that, in searching the literature and discussions with authorities, the author did not identify previous research on older workers specifically focused on this sector. (Publisher abstract)
Social care for older people: using data from the VFM profiles
- Author:
- AUDIT COMMISSION
- Publisher:
- Audit Commission
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 17
- Place of publication:
- London
The government is legislating to close the Audit Commission by the end of March 2015. Until then, the Commission will continue to make available its Value for Money (VFM) Profiles, which bring together data about the cost, performance and activity of local councils and fire authorities. This report presents facts, figures and graphs showing national trends and local variations in spending on social care for older people, on which the total spend in England in 2011/12 was £9.07 billion, supporting 1.05 million people. However, this amounts to an 8.5% reduction in overall spending and a 13% decrease per person aged 55+ since 2009/10, The report looks at how councils are continuing to find ways of reducing costs and improving efficiency in response to budget reductions, and notes changes to their legal responsibilities proposed in the Care Bill 2013/14. It also offers guidance on the use of VFM profiles and suggests some related information sources provided by other organisations. (Original abstract)
‘The Billion Dollar Question’: embedding prevention in older people's services—Ten ‘High-Impact’ changes
- Authors:
- ALLEN Kerry, GLASBY Jon
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 43(5), 2013, pp.904-924.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
With ageing populations, social changes and rising public expectations, many countries are exploring ways of developing a more preventative approach within their health and social care services. In England, this has become a growing priority over time—made even more significant by recent economic change and by the urgent need to reduce public sector spending. However, a key dilemma for policy makers and managers is the patchy nature of the evidence base—with a lack of certainty over how to reform services or prioritise spending in order to develop a more genuinely preventative approach. Against this background, this commentary reviews national and international evidence around ten policy measures and interventions, highlighting some of the most promising approaches as well as the fragmented and contested nature of the evidence base. (Publisher abstract)
Providing an alternative pathway: the value of integrating housing, care and support
- Authors:
- BERRINGTON James, NATIONAL HOUSING FEDERATION
- Publisher:
- National Housing Federation
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 20p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This report by the National Housing Federation highlights the value of integrating housing with care and support in five case studies where integrated working between housing providers, health and social care have improved outcomes for individuals and reduced costs. These case studies, which provide practical examples of bringing together housing, health and care, deliver savings of between £2,946 and £17,992 a year compared to less integrated pathways. One service saved a total of £241,670 to local health and social care budgets. The report concludes that, at a time when local authorities have to cut spending while continuing to meet the needs created by changing demographics, it is imperative that we integrate as a way of improving outcomes while achieving efficiencies.
Measuring the impact of Supporting People: a scoping review: research summary
- Author:
- WALES. Welsh Government
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 6
- Place of publication:
- Merthyr Tydfil
The Aylward Review of Supporting People (Welsh Assembly Government, 2010) recommended the review of outcomes measurement and monitoring of Supporting People projects in Wales. This scoping study was designed to inform the range, methodology and research questions of a large scale assessment of the impacts of Supporting People across Wales. The research was carried out between April and September 2012. The scoping study explored the Supporting People provision by contacting local authorities and also surveying service providers. Existing outcome monitoring and impact assessment systems developed both within and outside Wales were also reviewed. This research summary outlines key findings of the scoping review, including the drawbacks of and problems with the methodologies used. (Edited publisher abstract)
A cost-effective alternative?
- Author:
- DOEG Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 21(1), 2013, pp.14-16.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
Volunteers in Swansea have been engaging people with dementia in group activities as part of a pilot project, My Home Life Wales, run by Age Cymru Swansea Bay. The aim of the project was to establish whether inviting volunteers who were untrained in dementia to run their own group activities in a residential home could improve quality of life for residents. The hope was that this could be a cost-effective solution for homes unable or struggling to pay for full time coordinators. The project in this nursing home had an annual budget of £3,500. The plan was to recruit 10-15 volunteers to deliver one activity session of no more than an hour once a week. Of the 23 residents at the home, between 8-10 people attended activity sessions regularly; most were in the early to moderate stages of dementia. Feedback from the volunteers has guided the organisation on the targeted support and training needed when the service is rolled out across Swansea.
Measuring the impact of supporting people: a scoping review
- Author:
- PLEACE Nicholas
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 63
- Place of publication:
- Merthyr Tydfil
The Aylward Review of Supporting People (Welsh Assembly Government, 2010) recommended that outcomes measurement and monitoring of Supporting People projects in Wales be reviewed. This scoping study was designed to inform a national level ‘main evaluation’ of Supporting People project outcomes. It was commissioned to provide an overview of the nature and extent of Supporting People projects, and to scope the options for the commissioning of a large scale research project to evaluate the impact of the Supporting People programme. The scoping study used four methods. First, a rapid evidence assessment of existing studies of Supporting People projects and evaluations of the effectiveness and costs of Supporting People conducted throughout the UK. Second, an exercise designed to understand the nature and extent of Supporting People project provision at national level. Third, an online survey of service providers to gain an overview of the people using Supporting People projects (as at 30th April 2012) and to understand current data collection by service providers. Lastly, consultation with service providers and key agencies on data collection and providing and collecting information on service users (via a single focus group conducted in Cardiff). This report reviews the data collected on the extent and nature of Supporting People project provision, also the data collected on the characteristics of service users. It considers both the findings and the lessons from the attempt to collect data on services and services for the design of the main evaluation. It reviews existing data collection and outcomes monitoring by service providers; and considers the implications of patterns of existing data collection for the main evaluation. It reviews existing attempts to monitor Supporting People project and programme outcomes; and considers good practice in evaluation and how this should be drawn upon for the main evaluation. It concludes by discussing possible approaches for the main evaluation. (Edited publisher abstract)