Piloting choice and control for older people: An evaluation

New regulations, which came into force in February 2000, have empowered local authorities in England to extend the scope of the 1996 Community Care (Direct Payments) Act to older people. This timely report is based on an evaluation of an innovative pilot scheme finding new ways to deliver services to older people, giving them greater choice and control. The scheme provides a model for other local authorities wanting to find ways to change care management and implement Direct Payments for older service users. Based on interviews held with older users and care managers involved in the pilot scheme, Piloting choice and control for older examines issues around empowering informal carers; looks at older people's perceptions of the pilot scheme and their definitions of quality services; concludes with suggestions for positive change in provider organisations and the culture of care management; draws out broader lessons for service delivery and those applicable to the introduction of Direct Payments for older people. The report is invaluable reading for managers and front-line workers in all departments and agencies involved in the provision of services for older people, as well as policy makers, researchers and anyone interested in community care, older people and service user empowerment.