This research explores nature and extent unmet need among older people living in their own homes, the factors which predict the development of unmet need, and links between unmet need for social care and well-being. The study was funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research and conducted in collaboration with NatCen Social Research, Age UK and Independent Age. It involved analysis of survey data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and Health Survey for England (HSE) and 24 in-depth interviews with older people with care needs. The findings confirm that unmet need for social care is widespread, but often hidden. The analysis found that over half of older people with care needs have unmet needs, and that unmet need affects both people eligible for local authority support and self-funders. It also found unmet needs can be hidden where older people seem to cope with their care needs, but carrying out these activities could lead to pain and exhaustion. Older people were much more likely to report on unmet need for social contact or not being able to leave the house, which were regarded as more important issues by older people. Although the survey data analysis showed no clear link between unmet need and well-being, the in-depth interviews showed that lack of mobility, isolation and lack of access to hobbies were the aspects of unmet need for support which had the strongest link with wellbeing. The findings highlight that access to suitable transport, housing and adaptations, and social and community networks can help older people in meeting their care needs and in maintaining well-being.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This research explores nature and extent unmet need among older people living in their own homes, the factors which predict the development of unmet need, and links between unmet need for social care and well-being. The study was funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research and conducted in collaboration with NatCen Social Research, Age UK and Independent Age. It involved analysis of survey data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and Health Survey for England (HSE) and 24 in-depth interviews with older people with care needs. The findings confirm that unmet need for social care is widespread, but often hidden. The analysis found that over half of older people with care needs have unmet needs, and that unmet need affects both people eligible for local authority support and self-funders. It also found unmet needs can be hidden where older people seem to cope with their care needs, but carrying out these activities could lead to pain and exhaustion. Older people were much more likely to report on unmet need for social contact or not being able to leave the house, which were regarded as more important issues by older people. Although the survey data analysis showed no clear link between unmet need and well-being, the in-depth interviews showed that lack of mobility, isolation and lack of access to hobbies were the aspects of unmet need for support which had the strongest link with wellbeing. The findings highlight that access to suitable transport, housing and adaptations, and social and community networks can help older people in meeting their care needs and in maintaining well-being.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, social care, social care provision, unmet need, community care, wellbeing, activities of daily living, mobility impairment, social isolation, user views, access to services, independence;