Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the views and experiences of older people using Shared Lives (adult placement) in 2012/2013. Design/methodology/approach As part of a survey collecting information about outcomes for older users of Shared Lives issues of whether it had made a difference to quality of life, and positive and negative experiences of support were explored. Findings Questionnaires were returned by 150 older people using Shared Lives services. Findings suggest that this model of community-based support has a number of advantages for some older people, such as reducing social isolation and loneliness, promoting independence, choice and control, providing emotional support and increased well-being. Research limitations/implications The questionnaire was self-completed and so responses were not followed up to provide deeper insights. Practical implications Shared Lives is not appropriate for everyone but it is suggested that this option should form part of local commissioning strategies, be part of a range of options for social care practitioners to consider in their work with older people and helps to meet various current policy imperatives. Originality/value The potential of Shared Lives for older people is under-researched and this paper contributes to the literature in exploring the views of older people about family-based support in the community.
Highlights
Key to current social care policy both in the UK and across Western Europe is the personalisation of services, with an emphasis on jointly provided, high quality, flexible services that give people active choice and control over their care and support (HM Government, 2007; Department of Health, 2010)
Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and in 2013/2014 Shared Lives was rated as out-performing other community care services and as achieving 100 per cent compliance with quality standards in connection with respect and dignity (Care Quality Commission, 2014)
This paper reports on the views and experiences of a sample of older people supported by the Shared Lives service
Summary
Key to current social care policy both in the UK and across Western Europe is the personalisation of services, with an emphasis on jointly provided, high quality, flexible services that give people active choice and control over their care and support (HM Government, 2007; Department of Health, 2010). Another key factor is the change in demographics, that is, how best to meet the needs of a rapidly ageing population. Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and in 2013/2014 Shared Lives was rated as out-performing other community care services and as achieving 100 per cent compliance with quality standards in connection with respect and dignity (Care Quality Commission, 2014)
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