In some areas where there is a concentration of care homes, GPs have expressed concern about their capacity to provide an effective service to residents without additional…
Abstract
In some areas where there is a concentration of care homes, GPs have expressed concern about their capacity to provide an effective service to residents without additional resources. Some primary care trusts (PCTs) have since responded by making funds available to enable an improved service to be established. This article looks at the impact of one local enhanced service on the work of GPs, care staff and residents in one London borough.
Details
Keywords
Jill Manthorpe, Steve Iliffe, Michelle Cornes, Jo Moriarty, Les Bright and Roger Clough
At a time of increasing interest in mental health in later life, the role of public health approaches is potentially heightened. This paper draws on interview data with older…
Abstract
At a time of increasing interest in mental health in later life, the role of public health approaches is potentially heightened. This paper draws on interview data with older people living in London to consider the interplay between personal and public approaches to health and well‐being. The interviews were under taken as part of the midpoint review of the UK government's 10‐year strategy for older people (Healthcare Commission et al, 2006) and the social characteristics of London are considered.
Details
Keywords
This paper by the deputy chief executive of Counsel and Care describes the work this important voluntary organisation has undertaken to examine physical intervention issues…
Abstract
This paper by the deputy chief executive of Counsel and Care describes the work this important voluntary organisation has undertaken to examine physical intervention issues, particularly as they affect older people in residential care. It explores the extent to which residents of care homes may be subject to various forms of restraint and draws on discussions with managers and staff.
Details
Keywords
Roger Clough, Jill Manthorpe, Les Bright, Jinny Hay and Keith Sumner
This article draws on consultations with older people produced for a Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) study on the unmet need for low‐level services among older people in England…
Abstract
This article draws on consultations with older people produced for a Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) study on the unmet need for low‐level services among older people in England. This was published in 2007 (Clough et al, 2007). Since it was published there have been significant changes to the social care scene. The Government has given further emphasis to individual budgets (now termed personal budgets), many local authorities have further restricted the criteria for eligibility to social care services, and publications such as Time to Care (CSCI, 2007) have highlighted the shortcomings of home care services, as well as their strengths and importance. We also know more about older people's views of health and social care services (Health Care Commission, Audit Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection, 2006). In this article we set out to relate findings from our research to current realities.
Details
Keywords
Jill Manthorpe, Michelle Cornes, Joan Rapaport, Jo Moriarty, Les Bright, Roger Clough and Steve Iliffe
In this article we consider community well‐being and new approaches to reinvigorating partnership working for older people's services. In particular, we focus on improving…
Abstract
In this article we consider community well‐being and new approaches to reinvigorating partnership working for older people's services. In particular, we focus on improving transport for older people. We draw on findings from a series of public consultations, group discussions and interviews with older people in 10 purposively selected localities in England. Although there was great diversity in the issues raised by older people on the subject of transport, both across and between the sites, we point to a number of core analytical themes which could assist commissioners in developing a citizens' framework designed to address this traditionally ‘wicked’ issue.
Details
Keywords
Jill Manthorpe, Michelle Cornes, Jo Moriarty, Joan Rapaport, Steve Iliffe, Jane Wilcock, Roger Clough and Les Bright
This article reports on the findings of the inspections and consultations undertaken as part of the evaluation of the National Service Framework for Older People. It focuses on…
Abstract
This article reports on the findings of the inspections and consultations undertaken as part of the evaluation of the National Service Framework for Older People. It focuses on what was found about the implementation of adult protection systems, by synthesising the inspectors' findings, drawing on older people's comments in meetings and interviews concerning care in hospitals, as an illustration, and by reporting the results from a survey. Together these sources of information revealed that adult protection systems are in place, and that the majority of older people say that they know to whom they can report concerns, but that older people and their families weigh up the decision to make complaints carefully. Questions are raised about the interface between adult protection and concerns about dignity and quality of hospital care.
Details
Keywords
Les Bright, Alison Clarke and Gillian Dalley
The research reported here aims to explore the problems facing individuals searching for information about available options in choosing care services.
Abstract
Purpose
The research reported here aims to explore the problems facing individuals searching for information about available options in choosing care services.
Design/methodology/approach
It presents data drawn from an on‐line survey, follow‐up telephone calls and a focus group, which reveals the preferences people have in searching for information about care services and the difficulties encountered.
Findings
It finds that people need information but find it complicated, unwieldy and inaccessible. In addition to using on‐line sources, they value person‐to‐person contact and information tailored to meet their specific needs.
Research limitations/implications
This study is original in raising issues and presenting findings that open up the topic of information in care decision‐making. While it relies on a self‐reporting survey and the direct participation of a small number of subjects, future research based on random sampling and a larger sample of subjects would enable these findings to be tested more thoroughly.
Practical implications
High quality, accurate information is an essential element in enabling individuals to make appropriate choices about the care they seek for themselves or their loved ones. Service providers, councils and commercial undertakings each have a part to play in facilitating that choice.
Social implications
This research highlights issues that confront both information searcher and provider, making recommendations about overcoming them. The concept of individual choice is a cornerstone of social policy but findings reveal the complexity facing individuals, providers and practitioners in making this a reality.
Originality/value
The importance of information in making decisions about care is under‐researched; this study raises issues and presents findings which open the topic for further exploration.