26 August 2004 - Publication of DWP research report 216 - Independent Living in Later Life
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions examined how different service needs and the ways in which people access services impacts on their ability to live independently. The research was conducted by the Policy Studies Institute.
In-depth interviews were undertaken with pensioners with a range of health, financial and social support status and with frontline staff from statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations.
This research is being used to inform the delivery of services to older people. Its findings support the approach set out in the Link-Age document also published today by the department. The document sets out the strategy for developing networks of services for older people.
The main findings were:
Older people’s concepts of independence
The research found that choice and control were central to older people’s perceptions of independence. Although good health, the ability to maintain personal mobility and being able to live in your own home were commonly associated with being independent, independence was only felt to be have been lost if you were unable to exercise control and choice over key aspects of daily living.
Service delivery
Interviewees often relied upon tried and tested support services and preferred a single point of contact that directed them to broader support services. This drew upon a range of support packages including a combination of informal support and more formal service provision. A well managed package of support played a vital role in helping interviewees to maintain their sense of independence.
Priority services felt to help maintain independent in later life, included transport, health and home-based services.
The research highlighted the need for service providers to identify trigger points when intervention is required, at which one agency can jumpstart the facilitation to a wider host of relevant services. As well as intervening at points of transitions, the research also highlights the importance of service providers maintaining an open-door approach that draws attention to the range of support available and emphasises the value of long term access to support.
The well-timed targeting of services, in particular during the period following a crisis or phase of increased need, played an important role in maintaining independence in later life.
The services that had made most difference to interviewees’ sense of independence were those that were targeted at pensioners after their health had been compromised in some way, which enabled them to manage their mobility and maintain a sense of stability in and control over their lives.
Pensioners identified their own support needs but were often unable or did not want to ask for support. Older people felt happier accepting help that was offered proactively, and it seemed likely that worries about asking for help reduced take up of support services.
Past negative experiences of trying to access services also deterred people from future service use.
Notes for editors
- The Customer Segmentation Model categorises pensioners into three broad groups; Independent, Assisted and Special Needs. These groups are then further segmented into 7 sub-groups based on health, social support and income. The model has been developed and is being used by the Department to help deliver services effectively to older people.
- “Independent Living in Later Life” by Jane Parry, Sandra Vegeris, Maria Hudson, Helen Barnes and Rebecca Taylor DWP Research Report No. 216 is published on 26th August 2004 by CDS, Leeds. A summary and copy of the report are available on the DWP website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5
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