Emerald | Working with Older People | Table of Contents

Dementia-friendly communities what the project ‘Creating a dementia-friendly York’ can tell us

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Janet Crampton, Ruth Eley) — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper outlines the findings from a research and development project to determine how York might become a more dementia-friendly city and, in drawing out the features, discusses the benefits for other places.Design/methodology/approach - The project team worked with existing groups and individuals, including people with dementia and family carers, established a cross sector operational group formed of statutory and non-statutory sectors, and developed a wider network to share news and ideas.Findings - York as a city is already responding in many positive ways to the needs of people with dementia and their carers, but there is much more that can be done, there and elsewhere. The project proposes a model – People, Places, Networks and Resources – for analysing the suitability and helpfulness of existing arrangements or features of a place or an organisation in order to realise a more dementia-friendly community.Research limitations/implications - The research was commissioned by and restricted to the City of York but there are lessons that can be taken and applied elsewhere. The project was also primarily concerned with the experience of people with dementia, generally post diagnosis, exploring their normal everyday lives as well as the contact they had and interventions from the statutory agencies. Reaching people with dementia who had not yet been diagnosed, or those on the margins of society, especially those living alone, proved hard to achieve.Practical implications - The numbers of people with dementia are expected to double over the next thirty years, with a shrinking of the working population and a tripling of costs to the NHS and social care. The proposed model can be applied anywhere to support the creation of dementia-friendly communities that understand how to help.Originality/value - This project makes a substantial contribution to the literature on what constitutes a dementia-friendly community and how to achieve it. It highlights the need for a wider information and awareness raising campaign for the general public and for anyone working directly with the public.

Dementia advocacy in a time of austerity

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose - This paper reports on an exploratory study exploring the provision of Dementia Advocacy.Design/methodology/approach - The study adopted a qualitative approach. Data is based on 17 semi structured interviews with a range of key stakeholders; and observations of the practice of Advocates working in third sector organisations. The study was conducted in five localities across the UK.Findings - The study draws attention to the benefits of Advocacy as a means of supporting older people with dementia and illuminates internal and external challenges encountered by third sector organisations providing this type of support.Research limitations/implications - The study captures the additional dimension that Austerity brings to Third Sector organisations working in this field and the ways in which financial constraints are shaping the field of Dementia Advocacy.Originality/value - This paper contributes to ongoing debates in relation to a contradiction between the current Coalition Government’s Big Society ideas and the reality as it unfolds in a specific part of the third sector.

DEEP: the engagement, involvement and empowerment of people with dementia in collective influencing

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Rachael Litherland, Toby Williamson) — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mapping processes and lessons learned in a project to scope the user involvement activity of groups of people with dementia across the UK.Design/methodology/approach - Data was gathered using a mapping questionnaire designed with help from people with dementia, in depth interviews and through a filming process at two national events. 32 groups completed the main questionnaire and 5 groups were interviewed. Findings - The collective voice of people with dementia is at a relatively early stage. Groups are at different stages on their journeys and many (completely understandably) prioritise peer support, and local rather than national action. But user-led groups are growing in number and confidence. They ask for support in capacity-building, networking and learning from each other so they can increase their influence over attitudes, policy and services.Research limitations/implications - The paper relies on self reports from groups we were able to identify. Originality/value - Research that looks at the mechanisms that support the involvement of people with dementia is still in its infancy. This paper combines data and findings from a wide range of groups to provide recommendations about how to improve the involvement of people with dementia

Producing and funding welfare services for seniors in the future

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate the Finnish welfare state from the point of view of the production and funding of care services. We examine the views of different generations as to which agency should be responsible for providing care services, and how such services should be financed. Design/methodology/approach - The data used in the study was gathered in May 2011 in Finland, informants were aged 18 and 74 (n=1,011). Statistical methods used were analysis of variance (ANOVA), cross tabulation and multinomial logistic regression analysis (MLRA).Findings - Our results show that most of the respondents hoped to be able to take care of themselves in their senior years. If this were impossible, the public sector was seen as the primary service provider. As expected, most of the respondents thought that the service system should be funded with tax revenue. Nevertheless, our results show that younger people are more willing than older people to take personal responsibility for funding the care services they need in their old age. Originality/value - The research findings indicate that in the future respect and the role of individual preparedness will be stronger. The fact that younger generations react seriously to individual preparedness may be vital for the whole system since public economic resources are limited. At the same time, research results exert pressure on decision-makers and current systems to create new, innovative options for funding and organising services.

Finding out about social care: what information seekers want

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The research reported here explores 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.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.