What helps to improve the quality of life for older people with high support needs?

Ilona Haslewood, Programme Manager (Policy Research), Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Transcript

2. What helps to improve the quality of life of older people with high support needs? NACC Training and Development Forum Blackpool, 12 September 2013 Ilona Haslewood, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
3. JRF and JRHT Our aim: To identify the root causes of poverty and injustice PLACE AN AGEING SOCIETY Our aim: To support resilient communities where people thrive Our aim: To respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of an ageing society POVERTY
4. Understanding what will really help some of the most marginalised, and least heard, people in the UK to have a good quality of life. Listening to people who already have the experience of getting older: what do they want and value in life (not only from services)? A Better Life for older people with high support needs © Jo Hanley 2011
5. A model to explore what people want and value (Katz et al 2011)
6. 1. Challenge ageist assumptions: old age is not about ‘them’, it is about all of us. 2. See and hear the individual – take account of increasing diversity. 3. Found all support in meaningful and rewarding relationships. 4. Use assets, strengths and resources - recognise and create opportunities for mutuality and reciprocity. 5. Treat older people as citizens and equal stakeholders with both rights and responsibilities - not just as passive recipients of care. 6. Hear the individual and collective voices of older people. 7. Be open to radical and innovative approaches; but also consider simple, changes within existing models. A Better Life – key messages
7. In care homes: • Opportunities to eat food you want • Using meal times to communicate with residents In supported housing/the community: • Sharing meals and building relationships • Having places to meet (Plaxton Court example) Food and mealtimes - contribution to quality of life
8. • Cultural sensitivity but no ‘shortcuts’ • Dementia awareness • Relationships in focus The role of staff – further examples
9. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation: http://www.jrf.org.uk Twitter: @jrf_UK The programme ‘A Better Life’: http://www.jrf.org.uk/work/workarea/better-life Contact: Ilona.haslewood@jrf.org.uk Twitter: @ilonahaslewood