Falls are one of the sector’s priorities within the implementation of the older peoples national service framework (OP NSF). This paper contains a draft baseline survey aimed at taking a “snapshot” of the health and social care economy with respect to this important area. The aim is to finalise the survey by the end of January, to conduct it in February and to report back result by early March 2006.
Falls are one of the sector’s priorities within the implementation of the older peoples national service framework (OP NSF). This paper contains a draft baseline survey aimed at taking a “snapshot” of the health and social care economy with respect to this important area. The aim is to finalise the survey by the end of January, to conduct it in February and to report back result by early March 2006.
Despite many directives promoting the involvement of older people in planning and evaluating services that are provided for them, relatively little is known about what older people themselves think about such involvement. The standards are designed by advisory groups who have been invited to take part in planning and monitoring the process of implementation for the standards.
Despite many directives promoting the involvement of older people in planning and evaluating services that are provided for them, relatively little is known about what older people themselves think about such involvement. The standards are designed by advisory groups who have been invited to take part in planning and monitoring the process of implementation for the standards.
Extended abstract:
AuthorAGE CONCERN
Title
Involving older people: in setting standards for day services
Publisher
Age Concern, 2005
Summary
This report sets out the findings of a research project carried out by Age Concern Norfolk between April 2001 and September 2002 supporting older people in designing quality standards and initiatives for day centre services.
Context
Despite many directives promoting the involvement of older people in planning and evaluating services that are provided for them, relatively little is known about what older people themselves think about such involvement.
Method
Contents
An executive summary begins with an introduction stating that older people remain largely excluded from participation in planning and policy decision-making processes, and that relatively little is known about how they feel about being involved or about what they perceive as successful outcomes of such involvement. It then gives the research aims: to involve older people, including service users, in defining the criteria for quality day centre services; to involve them in devising methods for assessing services; and to gain a greater understanding of the contributions older people are willing to and able to make in service planning and evaluation. The methodology is explained, and summarises specific findings: recruitment of non-service users was fare more difficult than recruitment of service users; verbal explanation and presentation was far more valuable in recruitment than written explanation; involving older people in rural areas generated complex planning arrangements; meetings are also a social event: refreshments and getting together can be an important part; appropriate encouragement and support will help facilitate involvement; and relaxed and friendly surroundings and adequate transport arrangements are essential. The main part of the report has an introduction giving the aims, rationale, background and context. Theoretical underpinning and methods are described. General findings and observations and evaluation findings – the views of participants – are given. The report ends with conclusions, outcomes, and an endnote. Appendices give the Norfolk Older People's Forum Evaluation Report, July 2002 and the Advisory Group Participants Report, August 2002.
Findings
Conclusion
Engaging older people in rewarding and worthwhile involvement processes is essential if feelings of tokenism are to be avoided. The findings support previous studies refuting assumptions often made about physically frail older people being unable to make a major impact on service planning. The participants' proposals for day centre quality standards and initiatives were accepted by Age Concern Norfolk's Care Services management team and a strategy and time frame for implementation agreed. The standards were implemented throughout CAN day centre services during 2003. The strengths of a democratic approach to involvement were highlighted. Interest in service planning and development decision-making among even frail older people, and particularly their ability, willingness and commitment to deal with complex issues, should not be underestimated.
19 references
Subject terms:
older people, standards, user participation, day services;
Reports on the results of a recent survey undertaken for Better Government of Older People. The study looked at the role of older people's champions, who have the responsibility for implementing the National Service Framework's in local authorities, how they feel about their role and how effective they are.
Reports on the results of a recent survey undertaken for Better Government of Older People. The study looked at the role of older people's champions, who have the responsibility for implementing the National Service Framework's in local authorities, how they feel about their role and how effective they are.
Subject terms:
local authorities, older people, standards, evaluation;
Describes a gerontological nursing project designed to promote best practice through collaborative working between educators, research, professional organisations and clinicians.
Describes a gerontological nursing project designed to promote best practice through collaborative working between educators, research, professional organisations and clinicians.
This document contains a statement of national minimum standards published by the Secretary of State under section 23(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000.
This document contains a statement of national minimum standards published by the Secretary of State under section 23(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000.
Subject terms:
older people, residential care, standards, government policy;
Two care home residents can still share a bedroom in a care home if they want. The authors out the confusion over the new national minimum standards and the question of minimum room size.
Two care home residents can still share a bedroom in a care home if they want. The authors out the confusion over the new national minimum standards and the question of minimum room size.
Subject terms:
older people, residential care, standards, care homes;
The National Service Framework for Older People will be out soon. The author asks whether it will it revolutionise health care for a generation and talks to experts about their hopes for the NSF in key areas.
The National Service Framework for Older People will be out soon. The author asks whether it will it revolutionise health care for a generation and talks to experts about their hopes for the NSF in key areas.
Campaigners for older people are angry about the government's decision to delay the minimum standards on shared rooms for five years. Care home owners are delighted. This article examines the issues.
Campaigners for older people are angry about the government's decision to delay the minimum standards on shared rooms for five years. Care home owners are delighted. This article examines the issues.
Subject terms:
older people, residential care, standards, care homes;