Early experiences in extending personal budgets in one local authority

NOORIE, Caroline, WEINSTEIN, Jenny, RAY, Jones, HOOD, Rick and BHANBHRO, Sadiq (2014). Early experiences in extending personal budgets in one local authority. Working with Older People, 18 (4), 176-185.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the introduction of individual personal budgets for older people and people with mental health problems in one local authority (LA) in 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

Jenny Weinstein is a Hon Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, Professor Ray Jones and Rick Hood are based at the Joint Faculty of Health and Social Care, St George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, UK.A qualitative study is described in which structured interviews were carried out with participants belonging to each service user group. The study aimed to explore the following issues: first, service users’ experiences of the assessment process, second, whether service users wanted full control of their budgets and third, if personal budgets make a difference to quality of life.

Findings

Service users (n=7 older people and carers; n=7 people with mental health problems) found the personal budgets system and assessment process difficult to understand and its administration complex. Older people in particular were reluctant to assume full control and responsibility for managing their own personal budget in the form of a Direct Payment. Participants in both groups reported their continued reliance on traditional home care or day care services. These findings were reported back to the LA to help staff review the implementation of personal budgets for these two user groups.

Research limitations/implications

Study participant numbers are low due to difficulties recruiting. Several potential participants were not interviewed due to their frailty.

Practical implications

Studies of this type are important for constructing local knowledge about national policies such as the implementation of personal budgets in social care.

Originality/value

Studies of this type are important for constructing local knowledge about national policies such as the implementation of personal budgets in social care.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Selected by the journal’s editorial team as the Outstanding Paper of 2014
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number:	1108/WWOP-07-2014-0019
Page Range:	176-185
Depositing User:	Sadiq Bhanbhro
Date Deposited:	28 Nov 2014 10:42
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 13:37
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/8787

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