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Choice and change: disabled adults' and older peoples' experiences of making choices about services and support
- Authors:
- BAXTER Helen, RABIEE Parvaneh, GLENDINNING Caroline
- Publisher:
- University of York. Social Policy Research Unit
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- York
This study explored the experiences of disabled people of working age and older who were likely to have to take frequent decisions because of their changing health status. Thirty working age and older people with fluctuating conditions and twenty with the recent sudden onset of severe impairments were recruited to the study from diverse backgrounds across England; around two-thirds remained in the study after three years. Participants were interviewed on at least three occasions between 2007 and 2010, to explore recent experiences of making choices about services including: the information and advice people sought; the options considered; the factors taken into account; the outcomes of these choices over time; and the roles played by family, friends and professionals in the choices that were made. Fifteen ‘significant others’, reported as having played an important role in a particular choice, were also interviewed. Data were analysed to identify common and contrasting patterns. Analysis addressed specific questions and drew wherever possible on data from all interview rounds to maximise the longitudinal dimension of the study. Key findings include that choice is important in maintaining health, independence and identity, but that exercising choice can be limited by lack of information or acceptable options. Implications for professionals are summarised.