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WHO Collaborating Centre for Housing Standards and Health Institute of Health, University of Warwick. Older Persons’ Housing Study Devon. Taunton 29 March 2011. The others involved. Peter Ambrose. John Bryson. Steve Battersby. Objectives.
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WHO Collaborating Centre for Housing Standards and Health Institute of Health, University of Warwick Older Persons’ Housing Study Devon Taunton29 March 2011
The others involved Peter Ambrose John Bryson Steve Battersby
Objectives Collect evidence on housing options for older people Identify any barriers to independent living Look for opportunities for an holistic approach
Focus Older persons, who ~ are near the point when they realise they can’t manage in their home without support or home adaptations have recently been provided with support or home adaptation have recently moved into care
Approach Brief literature review Semi-structured face-to-face interviews of those in identified groups A limited number of telephone interviews
Progress Those managing in their own homes ~ 31 face-to-face interviews completed 6 telephone interviews so far
Progress Those in care homes ~ Still to be arranged
Some preliminary impressionsthose still managing at home Very independentsome fiercely so Expecting to stay sounless sudden health deterioration; or in a ‘box’ Support from familyrather than neighbours, friends, or voluntary organisations
Some preliminary impressionsthose still managing at home Praise for Devon Care & Repairalthough some comments about the wait! Adaptations mainly stair-lifts and walk-in showers
Some preliminary impressionsthose still managing at home One (IT literate) needed a hoist to get his buggy into his car ~ was quoted £1,200, but found the same for £500 online!
Some preliminary impressionsthose still managing at home Some didn’t know what other support was was available ~ grants, benefits…
Early thoughts ~ Positive Interviewees staying independent with support from Devon Care & Repair Adaptations Family
Early thoughts ~ Questions Could IT literacy help?Not just with getting the best deal, but keeping in touch with family and friends What about advice on benefits and grants?Are people getting everything they qualify for?
Early thoughts ~ Questions Where do those needing help find out what’s available? When they get help/advice is it comprehensive?
Some suggestions made to us ~ systems to facilitate informal neighbourhood help (eg, gardening and decorating) more systematic access to expert money/benefit advice and SIMPLER FORMS neighbourhood self-help schemes about IT literacy - for better social interaction and cheaper purchasing the availability frequency of NHS chiropody services (6 weeks is max between toenail-cutting sessions!)
Some suggestions made to us ~ more flexibility from Meals on Wheels more accessible and cheaper veterinary services simpler and more consistent labelling for medication (PRINT SIZE) more systematic leafleting advice from the Police about blokes who offer to do the path personal lifeline alarms for all at any kind of risk
A few comments (for now) From us ~ Thanks to those who agreed to be interviewed From them ~ 'Very nice interview - thank you!!’ 'Thanks for taking the time to listen to us'. 'Glad to take part - it's about time someone started listening to the elderly'
There is more to come… … once we have completed the interviews and had a chance to give some thought to what we have learnt
A last thought for today… hardware ~ adaptations, support (pedicures, meals on wheels etc…) important for oldies to remain and feel ‘independent’ BUT ~ software ~ self-help, community relations, acquiring skills, getting good advice…equally important and not just for inclusion, self-worth