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Older people's quality of life improved through national scheme

Almost 100,000 older people have benefitted so far from a £60 million scheme to keep them in their homes and out of hospital and residential care, according to a report published today by Care Services Minister Phil Hope.

Partnerships for Older People Projects (POPPs) was launched in 2006 with the aim of helping older people to remain independent and prevent or delay the need for more intense care.

The projects help older people by, for example, doing their shopping or gardening, making sure they get help in collecting prescriptions and advice on taking medicines and targeting those who may be at risk of hospital admission.

The interim report of the pilot projects found that:

• 99,988 people had received or were receiving a service as part of POPP in 29 pilot sites
• Elderly people using the service found their quality of life (mobility, washing/dressing, pain, anxiety) improved
• For every £1 spent on POPP interventions, 73p will be saved on the cost of emergency hospital bed-days
• Because POPP services have led to fewer days in hospital, the overall cost of care has been reduced by £410 per person.

Following the successful interim report, Local Authorities will today have a guide to help them introduce POPP projects in their areas.

• POPP Interim Report of Progress and toolkit
• Full news story (opens new window)