UKHA 2009: Contributing to housing and health
Winner : The Extra Care Charitable Trust - Well-being project
When older people’s housing specialist the Extra Care Charitable Trust surveyed the health of residents in one of its retirement villages back in 2001, the results were shocking. Three quarters of the independent-living residents had not visited their doctor for more than a year. They believed ill-health, discomfort and disability were ‘natural consequences’ of becoming older.
There was also anecdotal evidence that, compared with those in receipt of care, this group of residents was more likely to develop sudden and serious health conditions, often with devastating consequences.
So Extra Care decided to pilot its Well-being project. It developed an assessment tool covering 10 medical areas, including breathing, heart, circulation and mobility.
It revealed that 122 of the 136 residents who took part in the pilot were suffering from previously undiagnosed and untreated conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Each resident agreed an individual action plan with their well-being advisor, which covered relevant referrals to the GP and self-help measures such as eating more fruit and vegetables.
Advisors returned for a follow up visit six to eight weeks later to check progress. Three residents received early cancer diagnoses - and successful treatment.
Now in its eighth year, 600 resident ambassadors promote the project across 28 sites. Government funding means that up to 1,000 people a year are benefitting from a well-being consultation. Prospective residents receive an express assessment.
The results are startling: 35 per cent average improvement in resident mobility, 25 per cent reduction in reliance on medication, length of hospital stays halved.
It’s not hard to see why this was a ‘stand out scheme’ for our judges, who said it ‘really hit the button’.
Finalists
Bron Afon Community Housing - Falls cost lives
This south Wales housing association developed a communications campaign to help older residents better understand how to reduce or prevent falls. Available to all tenants aged over 65, it includes home hazard assessments, a falls clinic and Falls Cost Lives, an educational DVD.
Clanmil Housing Association - Choice and empowerment for people with dementia at Mullen Mews
This entry was judged to be ‘a strong bid’. Mullen Mews is a specialist supported group housing scheme in Belfast for 30 people with dementia. The project uses assistive technology to provide 24-hour, tailored support to help older residents maintain their independence, tenancies and links with the community.
Housing 21 - Spring Bank Court healthy legs clinic
Spring Bank Court is a 36-apartment extra-care housing scheme in Blackburn, home to people with a high incidence of debilitating medical conditions. At its healthy legs clinic, part of an onsite NHS surgery, 79 patients were treated for arterial disease, and 56 patients were identified with vascular disease. The clinic is estimated to have saved £346 per person in further treatment costs.
Nightsafe - Healthy body, healthy minds
Charity Nightsafe provides access to health and educational services in Blackburn with Darwen for homeless 16-24 year-olds, who experience many problems such as depression and abuse. Successes include sending 400 young people on sexual health workshops.
St Albans Council - Elderly women’s Tiffin Club
Black and minority ethnic older people had few local opportunities to socialise or receive housing advice. The Tiffin Club is a weekly lunch club for older Asian and Arab women. It provides healthy eating, exercise and weight monitoring sessions, and English lessons. The judges called it ‘a lovely little project’.
Your Homes Newcastle - Community care alarm service
YHN’s alarm system monitors and adjusts the temperature of clients’ homes. Residents are offered support with repairs and modification, and advice on energy and cost management. The pilot is now being rolled out permanently.
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