Provisions for people living with dementia in housing with care settings in England

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to describe a literature review and online survey to explore the provisions and support for people living with dementia in housing with care (HwC) settings within England. Design/methodology/approach An initial scoping literature review was conducted to synthesise the evidence relating to residents living with dementia in HwC settings and informed the development of an online survey distributed to HwC housing managers to explore the provisions, policies, procedures and support services relating to people living with dementia in HwC settings. Findings The findings provided a picture of HwC settings in England and the residents, particularly those living with dementia, in terms of policies and procedures, reasons for moving into HwC, reasons for denying entry, reasons for leaving, positive outcomes, staff knowledge and training, environmental design, challenges and successes. Research limitations/implications The survey responses were from a self-selected sample of HwC providers and scheme/village managers; thus, it may be the case that the settings involved were doing more to support residents living with dementia. It should also be appreciated that the responses were based on the perceptions of the individual staff members completing the survey, not those of the HwC residents. Originality/value This study presented a picture of the current state of provisions and support for people with dementia within HwC settings in England, providing an essential platform from which to undertake targeted research to help shape future provision and enabling housing providers to assess their current schemes within the wider context.

Advantages and challenges of extra care housing in the UK for people living with dementia: a scoping review

“…The concept of ECH is underpinned by the promotion of independence. This ethos is an advantage for residents, family carers, staff and providers (Barrett, 2020b;Barrett et al, 2016;Evans et al, 2020;Twyford, 2018;Vallelly et al, 2006). Independence in ECH is promoted through the freedom to come and go from the scheme, having maximum opportunity to do things for oneself and being able to choose what, where and with whom to spend one's time (Evans et al, 2020;Twyford, 2018;Vallelly et al, 2006).…”

“…This is particularly advantageous to people living with dementia who experience changing needs across time (Twyford, 2018b). Flexible provision can enable people to remain ageing in place for longer, therefore reducing potential relocation disruption and distress (Barrett, 2015;Barrett et al, 2016;Croucher et al, 2007). Staffing flexibility across ECH schemes varies, but advanced planning for unplanned support, or the provision of a floating staff member, can provide flexibility that is reactive to the changing day-to-day needs of residents with dementia Evans et al, 2020;Garwood, 2008a;Twyford, 2018).…”

“…Key to the effectiveness of staff support is the provision of specialist dementia training (Barrett, 2020b;Brooker et al, 2011;Burns et al, 2009;Croucher et al, 2007;Evans and Vallelly, 2007;. Staff training is reported to improve the provision of person-centred care, increase the willingness and ability of staff to manage more complex symptoms of dementia, improve risk management, better manage walking with purpose and increase the staff/scheme willingness to customise the environment (Barrett et al, 2020;Burns et al, 2009;Evans et al, 2020;.…”

“…A survey of ECH managers suggested that this was a key motivation for moving to ECH and a significant benefit experienced (Barrett, 2020b). The ability of staff to respond, the use of assistive technology, the safety of communal facilities and the contained nature of facilities available onsite contribute to the increased sense of safety (Evans et al, 2011;Evans et al, 2020;Routledge et al, 2016).…”

“…Most schemes provide integrated models of ECH, whereby people living with dementia live alongside people living without dementia (Barrett, 2020b;. However, other models include ECH schemes with separate units or wings that are specifically for people living with dementia (separated model) or specialist ECH schemes that are only for people living with dementia (specialist model) (Barrett, 2012).…”