The impact of Reablement Programme on Older People Care

Context and Background. Reablement is a short and intensive service, usually delivered in the home, which is offered to people with disabilities and those who are frail or recovering from an illness or injury. Research into... [ view full abstract ]

Context and Background.
Reablement is a short and intensive service, usually delivered in the home, which is offered to people with disabilities and those who are frail or recovering from an illness or injury. Research into the impact of Reablement reports significant improvements in the functional ability and emotional wellbeing of client, significantly reduced care needs on discharge and significant financial savings through freeing up acute hospital beds and promoting home living.

Aim of the study.
Evaluate the impact of Reablement Service for Older People, in relation to their physical and emotional wellbeing and the carers of older people.

Research Methodology.
A quantitative repeated measures research design methodology was used to compare scores across a population comprised of clients who completed the programme (n=461); a further convenience subsample of clients (n=98) and a purposive sample of carers (n=22). Three standardised instruments were used to assess the impact of Reablement on clients’ functional ability and emotional wellbeing, and impact on carers’ burden. Standardised instruments with acceptable psychometric properties included the Functional Independence Measure; WHO Well-Being Scale and the Caregiving Burden Scale. Statistical differences across time were examined. Ethical Approval was sought and gained.


Key Findings.
Participants reported significant improvements in functional independence, irrespective of age or gender. Almost two thirds of participants reported either reduced care packages or no services on discharge. Participants reported significant increases in emotional wellbeing across time points. The programme had no impact on carer’s burden.

Conclusion.
The Reablement programme has a significant impact on promoting independence and reducing care packages. It also promoted emotional wellbeing. The Programme has the potential to have a significant financial impact for healthcare providers.