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An evaluation of Wigan Council’s Partnership for Older People Project
- Authors:
- BEECH Roger, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 29(2), 2012, pp.69-81.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Wigan Council participated in the Department of Health for England’s Partnership for Older People Project (POPP) and piloted eleven community based schemes for promoting older people’s health and well-being and reducing their need for higher intensity forms of care. This paper describes evaluation activity that guided decisions about the development and ongoing sustainability of these schemes. A mixed method, observational study design generated information about the number and characteristics of POPP service users and the ‘value’ and ‘effectiveness’ of POPP schemes from the perspectives of older people and other POPP stakeholders. From May 2006 through January 2008 there were 7,572 referrals to POPP schemes. A survey covering 1,362 service users and interviews with whole system stakeholders revealed high levels of support for POPP schemes in terms of their relevance, value and ability to promote partnership working between agencies. Results also offered ‘plausible’ evidence that some schemes were helping to reduce older people’s use of more intensive and higher cost services. Implications: evaluation results supported a decision that all POPP schemes should be sustained when pilot funding from the Department of Health ended. The study also demonstrated the importance of local evaluation activity when developing new services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Delivering person-centred holistic care for older people
- Authors:
- BEECH Roger, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 18(2), 2017, pp.157-167.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper is an evaluated case study of the Wellbeing Coordinator (WBC) service in Cheshire, UK. WBCs are non-clinical members of the GP surgery or hospital team who offer advice and support to help people with long-term conditions and unmet social needs remain independent at home. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed method design assessed the outcomes of care for recipients and carers using interviews, diaries and validated wellbeing measures. Service utilization data, interviews and observations of WBC consultations enabled investigation of changes in processes of care. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics, established instrument scoring systems and accepted social science conventions. Findings: The WBC complements medical approaches to supporting people with complex health and social care problems, with support for carers often a key service component. Users reported improvements in their wellbeing, access to social networks, and maintenance of social identity and valued activities. Health and social care professionals recognized the value of the service. Practical implications: The WBC concept relieves the burden on health and social care professionals as the social elements of ill-health are addressed. A shift in thinking from ill-health to wellbeing means older people feel more able to regain control over their own lives, being less dependent on consulting professionals. Originality/value: The WBC is a new service focussing on the individual in their health, social and economic context. Process and outcomes evaluations are rare in this field. (Edited publisher abstract)