This study aims to explore the experiences of older people “ageing in place”, focussing on the implementation of “Circles of Support”, a pilot intervention aimed at mitigating the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the experiences of older people “ageing in place”, focussing on the implementation of “Circles of Support”, a pilot intervention aimed at mitigating the risk of hospitalisation amongst socially-isolated older people.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on qualitative research, taking in semi-structured interviews with participants in the intervention and with community networkers involved in delivering the programme.
Findings
The research provides indicative findings supporting the idea that social isolation is linked to health issues amongst older people. It also suggests that targeted interventions can go some way to mitigating this problem. The findings presented here also indicate the importance of a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of socially-isolated older people in designing and delivering interventions.
Originality/value
The study contribution is in three areas. It presents findings based on the pilot programme relating to the experiences of older people at risk of social isolation and provides an indication of the value of interventions aimed at tackling social isolation, connecting these to the risk of hospitalisation.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of recent local government reform for political leadership in local authorities. In particular, it investigates the role…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of recent local government reform for political leadership in local authorities. In particular, it investigates the role played by local government officers in shaping and directing the work of politicians serving on overview and scrutiny committees.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on data from five case studies of local councils in England and Wales, the paper suggests that recent reform has done little to clarify decision making and leadership in local government.
Findings
The paper suggests that local councillors need to define their roles under the new system in order to reflect the changing requirements of their work.
Originality/value
The paper investigates the impact of the introduction of overview and scrutiny on the relations between councillors and local government officers. Research on leadership in local government is well established, but this literature needs updating in the light of recent reforms. The paper suggests a complex pattern of leadership in local democratic processes, and suggests that more work needs to be done to ensure that local councillors adapt to their new roles.