Older people’s perspectives on living in integrated housing and care settings: the case of extra care housing

Purpose This paper explores residents’ perceptions and experiences of extra care housing as an integrated model of housing with care. Design Data were collected in a longitudinal qualitative study based in four extra care housing schemes. Interviews were held with residents, care workers, managers and local commissioners. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The study found that the integration of housing with care enabled many older people to manage their care proactively. However, the increasing number of residents with complex health and care needs led some residents to question the ability of the model to support residents to live independently when living with chronic illness. Research limitations The study struggled to recruit sufficient residents from the specialist dementia setting who were able to communicate their consent to take part in the research. In addition, the quality of qualitative data collected in interviews with participants at this setting reduced over successive rounds of interviews. Implications The study suggests the need to ensure residents are fully appraised of what levels of care and support are available when they decide to move into extra care housing schemes. Originality This paper provides a timely opportunity to consider extra care housing as an example of an integrated housing service, particularly in light of the current challenges facing the sector

Healthy Start Vouchers Study:The Views and Experiences of Parents, Professionals and Small Retailers in England

This is the full final report of a qualitative study of views of the UK government's Healthy Start Scheme, which provides vouchers for fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins for low income families with young children. This study explored the views of the health and social care professionals who are advocates for the scheme, the parents who are recipients and the retailers who accept the vouchers in their shops. This study provides key lessons for policy makers and practitioners to improve the accessibility and reach of the scheme

The contribution of volunteers in social care services for older people

Faced with unprecedented challenges, the adult social care sector in England has seen increasing attention given to the potential of volunteers to contribute to service provision. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored the contribution made by volunteers to social care services for older people. The article draws attention to the difficulties associated with recruiting and training volunteers to work in the sector, particularly during a period of reduced public expenditure, which is putting the sector under strain. Given the challenges faced, the article considers whether it is appropriate to involve volunteers in care work