Older people - programmes and projects

This page describes specific programmes of work and projects, including campaigns, that support improvements in the care of older people.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: A Better Life
A Better Life is a five year programme (2009-2013) which has commissioned a range of work to increase understanding of what can help people with high support needs now and in the future. From this work the programme will produce recommendations for policy and practice. See also the report A Better Life – what older people with high support needs value
Information about other resources from the programme can also be found in policy and reports and standards and guidance.

King’s Fund: Point of Care programme
The Programme “aims to help health care staff in hospitals deliver the quality of care they would want for themselves and their own families”. This area of the King’s Fund website describes the programme and related activities and publications, and also includes a blog which discusses ideas for improving the patient experience.

Macmillan: Improving cancer treatment, assessment and support for older people
Macmillan is working in partnership with the Department of Health and Age UK on a project to address under treatment of older people with cancer. The project is testing new models of care for older people aged 70 and over. This section of the Macmillan Cancer Support website describes the project in more detail and links to information about the five project pilot sites.
 
Patients Association Care Campaign
The CARE campaign is a joint venture between the Patients Association and Nursing Standard magazine. The campaign highlights fundamental aspects of care based on the four most frequent concerns that the Association receives from patients. The Campaign sets as the CARE Challenge: “As a minimum, all patients should get assistance when they call for help, encouragement to eat and drink, assistance with going to the toilet, and have their pain addressed”. Care stands for: Communicate with compassion; Assist with toileting, ensuring dignity; Relieve pain effectively; Encourage adequate nutrition.