Adrift in a foreign land: major study highlights failings when older people are transferred between health and social care services

A major study of the experiences of older people moving between health and care services published today highlights significant problems in the quality of the service they received. The researchers from the University of Birmingham's Health Services Management Centre found that too often older people were excluded from decisions and carers in particular felt undervalued by statutory providers. This is despite patient and carer involvement being a central aim of current NHS reforms, championed by the phrase "Nothing about me, without me". Unique elements of the study: 22 older people, including people with dementia as, acted as 'co-researchers' on the study, working in partnership with academics on the design, conduct and analysis of the research The research explored the views and experiences of 4 different groups of older people, including older people with dementia and older people from minority ethnic backgrounds The research team and co-researchers have been working with service providers and commissioners in the four case study sites to implement the recommendations and improve local services. Older people told researchers that they wanted to be seen as a human being with needs and feelings, not just as a problem to be solved. However, many people felt that they were not always treated with dignity and respect, which is regarded as the foundation for good care. The problems highlighted included: A lack of information about the services on offer Difficulties getting a clear diagnosis of dementia Patients not being kept informed about important developments in their care Very little advance notification and preparation for discharge from hospital Unreliable home and social care arrangements.