Extracare: Does it promote resident satisfaction compared to residential and home care?

Citation

Phillips J, Dobbs C, Burholt V & Marston H (2015) Extracare: Does it promote resident satisfaction compared to residential and home care?. British Journal of Social Work, 45 (3), pp. 949-967. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bct185

Abstract
Extracare housing is seen as an innovative solution to meet both accommodation and care needs of increasing numbers of older people. This paper is based on a mixed method study exploring whether extracare is for ‘fit’ and ‘frail’ older people. In particular, we compare the satisfaction (financial, personal, social, environmental and access to personal services) of older people in extracare with those in residential care and older people in the community. In relation to the domains of financial satisfaction, residential care respondents reported lower satisfaction, fewer friends and lower social support than those in extracare and in the community, but older people in extracare were less satisfied with their access to personal social services. Additionally, although the care environment did not predict social satisfaction, from our qualitative interviews, we found that, whereas more opportunities to socialise existed in extracare, there was little evidence of new developing friendships. These findings are important for social workers and social care professionals when assessing the needs of older people and exploring provision that can meet often complex needs in times of crisis and transition.

Keywords
Care; environments; Extracare; friendships; older people; satisfaction

Journal
British Journal of Social Work: Volume 45, Issue 3