ageing

This research was undertaken by Stuart Fordyce as part of an MSc in Integrated Service Improvement (Health and Social Care) at the University of Edinburgh.
It considers the impact of a rapidly ageing population on a Scottish local authority and its attempt to shift the focus to a more contemporary service provision. The aim is to explore what factors are inhibiting the effectiveness of enablement.

Through case study analysis of projects that are tackling loneliness effectively, this report explores practical steps that can be taken to reduce levels of loneliness among the oldest old.

Report that argues for the need to transform the understanding of what 'social care' is in order to help people live decent lives, to put in place the right building blocks to prepare for an ageing population and to reduce future demand for care.

Paper designed as a high-level resource and reference guide for local service leaders who want to improve care for older people. Within each component of care it describes the goal that the system should aim for and then presents key evidence about what can work, selected examples of local good practice, pointers to major reviews and guidelines, and advice about where to start.

A document that discusses the importance of relationships in later life.

Research that shows that the UK is falling far behind other countries regarding care leave, many of which are finding creative solutions to support their workforce and address the challenges of ageing populations.

It argues that if the UK is to cope with the critical demographic challenge it faces and reap the social and economic benefits of helping carers to juggle work and care then more must be done.

A review of the risk, trust and confidence aspects of decision-making in informal and semi-formal caring and supportive relationships in an ageing society.
Trust has been typified as the social glue that binds society together, while risk is seen as a countervailing force. This review considers the role of
individual motivation and cognition in dealing with some of the challenges, choices and tensions confronted in daily life in relation to the issues of risk
and trust. Report published by the Joseph Rowntree

Paper that sets out the challenges facing people with autism in older age - as reported by them and by the people who support them. It also suggests how changes to central and local government policy can help to meet these challenges and so help all older adults with autism to lead the life they choose.

The report is based on interviews, focus groups and surveys with older people with autism and their families, as well as on the outcome of two parliamentary evidence sessions during which a panel of peers (the Commission) heard evidence from a variety of experts.

Research that aims to explore the importance of couple, family and social relationships in the context of ageing and to understand how baby boomer' relationships may be put under strain as they approach retirement and in older age.

The research included:

One of a series of policy papers published by the national Housing and Ageing Alliance to stimulate debate and a coherent policy response to the critical issue of demographic change and housing.