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Poetry in dementia care: overcoming the challenges
- Authors:
- GREGORY Helen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 20(2), March 2012, pp.20-23.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
The poem ‘opposite’ was written during Try to remember, an intervention for people with dementia. The authors have previously described the project, from its commissioning and design to the implementation and evaluation, and highlighted some of the benefits brought to people with dementia. In this second article, the authors present some of the challenges they encountered, and in doing so, present a ‘less polished’ view of the arts-based intervention. The article has sections from all four project team members (the GP, project coordinator, the poet and the researcher), each presenting their individual views on the challenges they faced. The article attempts to highlight some of the complexities, contradictions, struggles and setbacks which characterise dementia care.
Impact of the statutory concessionary travel scheme on bus travel among older people: a natural experiment from England
- Authors:
- WHITLEY Elise, CRAIG Peter, POPHAM Frank
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 40(11), 2020, pp.2480-2494.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
In the context of worldwide ageing, increasing numbers of older people are lonely, isolated and excluded, with serious implications for health, and cognitive and physical functioning. Access to good public transport can improve mobility and social participation among older adults, and policies that improve access and promote use, such as concessionary travel schemes, are potentially important in promoting healthy and successful ageing. Concessionary travel schemes for older people are in place in many countries but are under threat following the global financial crisis. Evidence regarding their success in encouraging activity and social participation is generally positive but based largely on qualitative or observational associations and, in particular, is often limited by the lack of appropriate comparison groups. This study uses changes in the English statutory scheme, in particular the rising eligibility age from 2010 onwards, as a natural experiment to explore its impact on older people's travel. A difference-in-difference-in-difference analysis of National Travel Surveys (2002–2016) compares three age groups differentially affected by eligibility criteria: 50–59 years (consistently ineligible), 60–64 years (decreasing eligibility from 2010) and 65–74 years (consistently eligible). Compared with 50–59-year-olds, bus travel by 60–74-year-olds increased year-on-year from 2002 to 2010 then fell following rises in eligibility age (annual change in weekly bus travel: −2.9 per cent (−4.1%, −1.7%) in 60–74- versus 50–59-year-olds). Results were consistent across gender, occupation and rurality. The results indicate that access to, specifically, free travel increases bus use and access to services among older people, potentially improving mobility, social participation and health. However, the rising eligibility age in England has led to a reduction in bus travel in older people, including those not directly affected by the change, demonstrating that the positive impact of the concession goes beyond those who are eligible. Future work should explore the cost–benefit trade-off of this and similar schemes worldwide. (Edited publisher abstract)
Reconnections Social Impact Bond: reducing loneliness in Worcestershire. An in-depth review produced as part of the Commissioning Better Outcomes evaluation
- Authors:
- ECORYS UK, ATQ CONSULTANTS
- Publishers:
- Ecorys UK, ATQ Consultants
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 14
- Place of publication:
- Birmingham
An in-depth review of the Reconnections Social Impact Bond (SIB), which aims to directly reduce loneliness and isolation for 3,000 people over the age of 50 in Worcestershire. The SIB facilitates access to services to reconnect these individuals with their communities. The project began in May 2015 and the first outcome payments were originally planned for March 2016 with the final outcome payment schedule in mid-2019. The improved health and wellbeing of beneficiaries is expected to deliver more than £3 million worth of savings to the public sector over 15 years. The maximum amount of outcome payments attached to the SIB is £2 million based around a key payment outcome of an improvement in levels of loneliness. Key lessons from the planning and implementation phases are outlined and include: consult with possible providers/ intermediaries early on; setting up a SIB is resource intensive; development costs can be high; invest in strong research early on to engage with the Commissioners; and SIBs are a positive way of testing interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)
Community hubs: a partnership approach to creating community based services for older people in Gloucestershire
- Authors:
- KEARSLEY Jill, GILMOUR Lesley
- Publisher:
- Housing Learning and Improvement Network
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 11
- Place of publication:
- London
This case study provides an overview of the initial findings from the first year’s evaluation of the development of community hubs in Gloucestershire. There are currently nineteen community hubs for older people operating county-wide in Gloucestershire and they are either purpose built within extra care housing schemes or are situated within traditional sheltered housing schemes, village halls and day centres. They offer drop-in daytime opportunities or half and offer whole day opportunities for people over 55 upwards or lower if the health and care need is applicable. This study is based on a paper originally prepared for the Director of Public Health to demonstrate the outcomes being achieved for older residents in the county. In particular, it found that many older people withdraw or desist completely from attempting new activities. By providing a broad range of activities within a safe, comfortable environment, community hubs engender an ethos of active ageing and positive outcomes in wellbeing. The study suggests that with the growth of social prescribing, the community hubs represent a viable option for health professionals to refer and recommend into. (Edited publisher abstract)
Meeting through music
- Author:
- DOWSON Becky
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 20(2), March 2012, pp.26-28.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
The Guideposts Trust’s Music Therapy service, in Oxfordshire, England, has been supporting people with dementia by helping them maintain their sense of identity and express themselves through music. This article, based on client feedback, describes the positive difference the service has made to many people. The service, staffed by three part-time music therapists, services 15 people in individual weekly sessions, and a further 35 who attend in group sessions. The therapy allows for non-verbal communication, and facilitates social interaction at a time when attendees are at risk from social isolation. Clients enjoyed playing together as a group, listening to others, singing, and playing instruments. The therapy simultaneously fulfilled a range of different needs.
How POPP pilots are proving their worth
- Author:
- NORRIS Rebecca
- Journal article citation:
- Commissioning News, 10, December 2008, pp.10-11.
- Publisher:
- CJ Wellings Ltd
Camden is one of 29 Partnerships for Older People (POPP) pilot sites which have received government money to test out 245 projects to improve care of older people. This article looks at progress in Camden, the types of projects they are running under the 'Community Interventions for Older People with Mental Health Needs' and the early findings from the national evaluation.
Leeds Neighbourhood Networks report
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2022
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
This report shares the latest insights from the evaluation of the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs), building on previous research. The Leeds Neighbourhood Network is made up of 37 community groups that provide a wide range of opportunities, activities and services. They are made up of local schemes that aim to support older people to remain living independently and to participate in their communities through a range of neighbourhood-based activities and services. The report draws on in-depth case studies of six LNNs. Each case study involved a desk-based review of existing evidence and data, and qualitative research with LNN staff, volunteers, members and partners. The evaluation finds that the networks support prevention of ill health through community-based activities and support; help people to manage long-term conditions in order to delay illness severity and maintain a good quality of life; assist people with significant support needs to reduce pressure on healthcare providers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Ageing Better: learning from our Covid-19 response to enhance future delivery
- Author:
- NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND
- Publisher:
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 27
- Place of publication:
- London
This learning paper builds on a series of rapid reviews, which summarise key features of Ageing Better partnerships’ responses, in reorganising their support to reach people over 50 most affected by the pandemic. Ageing Better, originally a six-year programme, has funded 14 England-wide partnerships to address the issues of loneliness and social isolation in communities of people aged over 50. The learning paper summarises primary research undertaken with Ageing Better stakeholders (partnership leads, project leads and volunteers). Firstly, the paper explores how volunteering responses during the pandemic are strengthening communities. Recruitment, training and support for volunteers have all adapted at speed. Triaging models are helping to prioritise support according to need, and peer support is providing essential reassurance for volunteers at this time. The paper demonstrates how blended delivery models, which may include socially distanced face-to-face methods, are developing in response to the pandemic and reaching a wider range of people. Blended delivery models offer real opportunities to increase accessibility in the longer term and are likely to be essential to help society open up safely during 2021, as they are more adaptable to changes in restrictions levels. Finally, the paper explores how trusted individuals have played a pivotal role during the pandemic and are helping to build longer term resilience to support community renewal. Trusted individuals are helping people to adapt by providing reassuring support and continuity and acting as agents of change within organisations and networks, increasing collaboration to support communities more effectively. (Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluation of the DCMS 50+ volunteering programme: final report
- Author:
- NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY. Nottingham Business School
- Publisher:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 210
- Place of publication:
- London
This report brings together the learning from across the 50+ volunteering programme and evaluates its impact. The evaluation combined a variety of different methods including a meta-analysis of learning partner evaluations, analysis of monitoring data, qualitative interviews with grantees and in-depth case studies with four projects. The programme was a government initiative focused on harnessing the skills and experiences of those aged 50 and over. In total, £5.2 million was awarded to projects over the three-year 50+ volunteering programme, supporting 39 organisations to test and develop ideas or grow existing models involving volunteers aged 50+. The findings on what the 50+ volunteering programme achieved and the difference it made reveals a mixed picture. In terms of successes, the programme enabled a wide range of organisations to test new ideas and grow social action projects to reach new areas, more beneficiaries and volunteers. Overall, the 39 projects mobilised over 25,320 new volunteers who, in turn, supported over 474,730 new beneficiaries. The programme enabled organisations to test different ideas and models for involving 50+ volunteers, from projects focused on building community action around clean air issues to those setting up repair parties to reduce waste and promote social connectedness. The programme has resulted in different examples of projects involving volunteers across different public service areas. (Edited publisher abstract)
Learning from the 50+ volunteering programme to support COVID-19 recovery: age-friendly and inclusive volunteering
- Author:
- NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY. Nottingham Business School
- Publisher:
- Nottingham Trent University
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 15
- Place of publication:
- Nottingham
This briefing brings together lessons from the 50+ volunteering programme with other research and resources to explore how volunteering can be developed and sustained in an age-friendly and inclusive way to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly relevant now as many volunteers aged 50+ had to step back from their volunteering during COVID-19. As organisations bring back their volunteers or look to engage new ones, these lessons will be useful in efforts to sustain the engagement of those aged 50+ and ensure volunteering is age-friendly and inclusive. The programme supported 39 organisations to test and develop ideas or grow existing models involving volunteers aged 50+. Projects from a wide range of fields, backgrounds and sizes were involved, from those growing young people’s mentoring projects to new emerging ideas testing the involvement of 50+ volunteers in community fraud prevention. A key focus for the programme was creating volunteering opportunities for those aged 50+ in and alongside public services, enabling them to use their skills and experiences, creating a ‘habit for volunteering’ and bringing benefits for volunteers and communities. The briefing focuses on two specific areas: 1. Enabling flexibility – useful lessons can be learnt from how organisations made their volunteering offers flexible to help those aged 50+ fit volunteering around their lives. Flexibility has been identified as a key area to support returning volunteers and sustain volunteer involvement as part of COVID-19 recovery; 2. Harnessing the strengths, skills and experiences of volunteers – this was a key focus of the 50+ programme and the evaluation provides useful learning for developing opportunities for 50+ volunteers. (Edited publisher abstract)