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Direct payments have been available to older people receiving community care services in the UK since February 2000. However, scepticism remains about older people's desire and ability to use direct payments and take-up so far has been low.
Drawing on interviews with older people, local authority care managers and direct payments support service workers, this topical report looks at how older people use direct payments and how they make them work. It considers the role of direct payments support services and local authority care managers in making direct payments a real option for older people. The report is particularly valuable in reflecting the views and experiences of older people themselves.
Heather Clark is a Senior Lecturer in sociology and social policy in the School of Social Studies, University College Chichester. She has extensive experience of undertaking research with and involving older people and is lead author of Going home: Older people leaving hospital; 'That bit of help': The high value of low level preventative services for older people and Piloting choice and control for older people.
Helen Gough was a Research Assistant in the School of Social Studies, University College Chichester.
Ann Macfarlane is an independent Disability Quality Consultant focusing on independent living and rights for disabled people of all ages.