A mainstream social housing response to dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Bligh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how social housing providers could respond to residents living with dementia in non-specialist housing. Design/methodology/approach A research framework was developed from published material and used to assess how dementia friendly a national housing provider was, and what could be different. Electronic surveys were completed by 209 members of staff; semi-structured interviews with 18 senior managers and an external contractor; a customer focus group with five residents. A literature review and telephone interviews with housing providers identified current areas of innovation and good practice which informed the research recommendations. Findings There are ways a non-specialist social housing provider can develop dementia friendly services through developing a customer focused approach, staff awareness raising and training, and through working collaboratively with specialist statutory and non-statutory services across health and social care. These have the potential to impact positively on the quality of life of residents with dementia or caring for people with dementia. Practical implications Social housing providers should be considering their older residents, and how they can design and develop services to respond to specific needs. Originality/value There is limited understanding of how mainstream housing providers could and should develop an offer for their residents living with dementia. This research provides an assessment approach and has developed ideas about what this offer could look like.

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-119
Author(s):  
Elaine Argyle ◽  
Tony Kelly ◽  
John Gladman ◽  
Rob Jones

Purpose Recent years have seen an increasing reliance on social support at home for people with dementia and the advocacy of a person centred and integrated approach in its provision. However, little is known about the effective ingredients of this support and how they differ from more generic or health-based services. The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing evidence base. Design/methodology/approach A review of relevant literature was carried out, combining a systematic search and selection of articles with a narrative analysis. Findings The review identified 14 relevant studies of varying research designs which yielded conflicting findings with regard to the optimal timing of interventions and their overall impact. This highlights the problems of review and generalisability when attempting to compare findings of research in this area. This was exacerbated by the blurred divide between health and social care and ambiguities in the meaning of the latter. Research limitations/implications This methodological heterogeneity demonstrates the need for consistency in research approaches if comparisons are to be made. Further questions include the precise components that distinguish social care from health care, the optimal timing for the introduction of this care and whether adherence to good practice in this area can be linked to cost effectiveness. Originality/value The review identifies relevant issues in need of further investigation and tentative themes emerging from the literature which suggest the utility of an adequately resourced, integrated and responsive approach to intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Jiménez ◽  
Francisca Cancino-Contreras

Interaction with living place and neighbourhood is one of the cornerstones for creating dementia-friendly communities (DFC). Chile has one of the largest proportions of older adults in Latin America and is currently facing an increase in the number of people with dementia. In this context, the Chilean government has launched a national strategy that involves actions in the health and social care system, including the promotion of DFC. From a multisectoral approach, social and environmental aspects involving engagement with local communities and access to social connections and services are directly related to urban policies. This perspective article focuses on urban aspects of social housing policy, such as placement, networks, affordability and the relationship between subsidy structure and adequate housing provision in a country with a qualitative housing deficit of around 1,200,000 units and where a large proportion of people with dementia and their families live in poverty. We identified several barriers to delivering appropriate environments for people living with dementia in relation to a two-fold problem: (a) the social housing subsidy displaces caregivers and/or older adults to satellite towns where social connections and access to services and urban equipment are lost; and (b) people resisting displacement live in overcrowded neighbourhoods where dementia is a common problem. In both scenarios, a detrimental environment and social conditions directly affect the quality of life of elderly people living with dementia and their caregivers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Chappell ◽  
Jane Zdanowska ◽  
Jane Cashmore ◽  
Gill Oliver ◽  
Joanna Cooper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of Compass workers: a commissioned peer support model to support those caring for someone with dementia. Design/methodology/approach The paper offers a descriptive summary of how Compass workers came to be and is informed by consultations with key stakeholders and a service evaluation encompassing both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Findings The findings suggest that it is possible to make use of a peer support model to support those caring for someone with dementia in the context of support being provided to the cared for by statutory services. Both quantitative and qualitative data supported improvements in the quality of life for carers. Originality/value Both health and social care are facing increasing pressures. This paper offers a positive approach to addressing these pressures utilising a peer support model to support carers that may be of value to others facing similar challenges.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-180
Author(s):  
Therése Bielsten ◽  
John Keady ◽  
Agneta Kullberg ◽  
Reena Lasrado ◽  
Ingrid Hellström

Purpose Interventions aimed at couples where one partner has dementia are often targeting burden, depression and cognitive function and do not focus on relationship and interpersonal issues. Furthermore, interventions within this population do not seem to have embraced a salutogenic and authentic dyadic approach where both partners’ experiences are considered. To address this gap, a self-management app, DemPower, which was piloted and tested among couples where one partner has dementia living at home, has been developed. This study explores couples‘ everyday experiences of engaging with the DemPower. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with couples were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The findings resulted in the following themes: growth of the relationship; we are not alone; and positive approach. The findings indicated that the experiences of a salutogenic and dyadic intervention can contribute to the feelings of empowerment, satisfaction of couples’ achievements and a sense of support through peers and with the intervention itself. Originality/value The findings of this study indicate that couples where one partner has dementia appreciate interventions that focuses on a salutogenic approach to their everyday life and relationship. The dyadic intervention contributed to feelings of empowerment, satisfaction of couples’ achievements and a sense of support through peers and through the intervention itself. Discussing, inventory and focus on strengths, resources and quality of life can therefore give couples insight in their growth of the relationship and their transitions during the dementia trajectory. Furthermore, this study can serve as an eye opener in health care for the type of support couples need and wishes to receive. This means that care for people with dementia and partners should adopt a more health-promoting approach.


2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 764-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Bennett

Purpose – Interest in mediation as an alternative strategy for managing conflict in the workplace has grown recently both in terms of theory, practice and government policy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of the process as practised in higher education, where its use is quite well developed. Its key aim is to increase the understanding of the process through a more qualitative sectorial analysis. Design/methodology/approach – The research took place over a six-month period in 2011. It is based on the views and experiences of 36 representatives from 16 universities across the North of England and four senior managers from mediation providers serving those organisations. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with an average duration of one hour were undertaken with the majority of respondents with a small number of slightly shorter telephone interviews. All interviews were fully transcribed. Findings – The key findings of the research suggest that universities, whilst having similarities to other organisations in terms of the rationale, implementation and management of workplace mediation, have a practice also informed by some aspects specific to the sector. These include: the ethos of the sector, the nature of the academic labour process, its potential client base and also in its desire to network with others within the sector. Originality/value – The study offers a more in-depth understanding of mediation as practised in a cross-section of organisations in one sector and is in contrast to the predominantly more quantitative approach adopted so far in the mediation literature in the UK.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Love M. Chile ◽  
Xavier M. Black ◽  
Carol Neill

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of social isolation and the factors that create social isolation for residents of inner-city high-rise apartment communities. We critically examine how the physical environment and perceptions of safety in apartment buildings and the inner-city implicate the quality of interactions between residents and with their neighbourhood community. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used mixed-methods consisting of survey questionnaires supplemented by semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions using stratified random sampling to access predetermined key strata of inner-city high-rise resident population. Using coefficient of correlation we examine the significance of the association between social isolation, age and ethnicity amongst Auckland's inner-city high-rise residents. Findings – The authors found the experience and expression of social isolation consistent across all age groups, with highest correlation between functional social isolation and “being student”, and older adults (60+ years), length of tenure in current apartment and length of time residents have lived in the inner-city. Research limitations/implications – As a case study, we did not seek in this research to compare the experience and expressions of social isolation in different inner-city contexts, nor of inner-city high-rise residents in New Zealand and other countries, although these will be useful areas to explore in future studies. Practical implications – This study is a useful starting point to build evidence base for professionals working in health and social care services to develop interventions that will help reduce functional social isolation amongst young adults and older adults in inner-city high-rise apartments. This is particularly important as the inner-city population of older adults grow due to international migration, and sub-national shifts from suburbs to the inner-cities in response to governmental policies of urban consolidation. Originality/value – By identifying two forms of social isolation, namely functional and structural social isolation, we have extended previous analysis of social isolation and found that “living alone” or structural social isolation did not necessarily lead to functional social isolation. It also touched on the links between functional social isolation and self-efficacy of older adults, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Broadhurst ◽  
Keri Landau

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review whether current learning disability market position statements (MPS) are actually helping to shape the market and explore their implications for people with learning disabilities and their families. Design/methodology/approach Published learning disability MPS were identified via the Institute of Public Care’s MPS database. The quality of the MPS was analysed using a good practice checklist developed by a range of stakeholders. Findings Learning disability MPS are not currently fit for purpose. They demonstrate that local authorities are not fully engaging in their market-shaping duties, as required under The Care Act 2014. It is suggested that this is in part due to the lack of recognition that market shaping is a council-wide responsibility and can only be successful if senior officers across the council (and their partners) acknowledge this and are held accountable. Unless this happens, people with learning disabilities will continue to lack the enablers that support them to lead the lives they choose in their communities. Originality/value This is the first review of the quality and potential impact of learning disability MPS.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Bender ◽  
Manuela Guerreiro ◽  
Bernardete Dias Sequeira ◽  
Júlio Mendes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the hedonic experience and its formation at heritage attractions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative and exploratory approach was applied, using data from 21 semi-structured interviews and three in-situ focus groups. Findings Findings highlight that senses, imagery and emotions are stimulated by the physical landscape and by triggers of memorable experiences. Research limitations/implications To further explore this topic, a broader range of heritage attractions and perspectives from the diverse stakeholders involved in the management and consumption of these sites is needed. Originality/value Given the scarcity of research dedicated to the hedonic experience at heritage sites, this study provides a contribution by exploring the visitor’s perspective and points out relevant insights. As the hedonic feelings of pleasure, comfort and related affective responses impact the quality of memorable experiences, relevant implications for theory and practice are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Musselwhite

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how older people who are almost entirely housebound use a view from their window to make sense of the world and stay connected to the outside space that they cannot physically inhabit. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 42 individuals were carried out who were living at home, were relatively immobile and had an interesting view outside they liked from one or more of their windows. Findings The findings suggest that immobile older people enjoy watching a motion-full, changing, world going on outside of their own mobility and interact and create meaning and sense, relating themselves to the outside world. Practical implications Findings suggest that those working in health and social care must realise the importance of older people observing the outdoors and create situations where that is enabled and maintained through improving vantage points and potentially using technology. Originality/value This study builds and updates work by Rowles (1981) showing that preference for views from the window involves the immediate surveillance zone but also further afield. The view can be rural or urban but should include a human element from which older people can interact through storytelling. The view often contains different flows, between mundane and mystery and intrigue, and between expected and random.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Prowle ◽  
Don Harradine

Purpose – This research concerns the issue of financial governance within the UK NHS and aims to assess the effectiveness of existing financial governance arrangements in the main providers of health services in the UK. Also considered is the importance of good financial governance in a time of financial austerity. Design/methodology/approach – The primary research for this project was based on the use of a questionnaire to all finance directors in NHSTs in England supported by semi-structured interviews with: finance directors, non-executive directors, executive directors and senior finance staff. Findings – Among the main findings of the study were: certain financial management systems were not prioritised in line with what is seen as good practice; existing financial management systems were not always seen as adequate for the achievement of good financial governance; there was sometimes a lack of understanding of financial issues by non-executive directors; and the complexity of the NHS funding process often resulted in opaqueness of the financial risks. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited by the relatively small coverage of NHS trusts but this has been compensated for by a series of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the governance process. Practical implications – Weaknesses in financial governance could result in further scandals which result in loss of life and poor patient care. Originality/value – There are many papers on the issue of governance in the public sector in general and the NHS in particular. However, there is little published on the issue of financial governance in the NHS. Also of great value is the emphasis on strengthening financial governance in an era of austerity


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