One–to–one learning for older people receiving care

Older people and demographic change

• Over the last century, average life expectancy has increased by thirty years

• This trend is set to continue• By 2026 the number of people

aged 85+ will double and the number aged 100+ will quadruple

• Adults aged 80+ are the fastest growing age group

Older people and care settings• In 20 years time it is expected

that over 1.7 million more adults will have a need for some form of care or support.

• However….– Only 15% aged 65+ receive social

care– Only 3% of those aged 65+ live in

residential care, as do 18% of those aged 80+ and 28% of those aged 90+

– Only 20% of people over 80 have dementia

Benefits of learning for people in careReduced dependency on others

•Reduced isolation

•Development of stronger relationships between carers and those being cared for

•Greater levels of engagement/ communication with others

•Development of new skills

•Improved levels of motivation to participate in day-to-day activities

•Greater enjoyment of life

•Improved confidence, self esteem and sense of well-being

•Better physical and mental health

•Increased mobility

•Improvements in motor skills

•Lower levels of depression

•Lessening of incontinence

•Less dependence on medication

•Faster recovery rates

•Better ability to manage pain and illness

•Increased levels of resilience and ability to cope

•Changes in behaviour

•Maintenance/improvement of attention, communications and memory skills

Other groups who benefitCare staffFamily and friendsOrganisations

“Learning in a group means the excitement spins off. Residents are happier, more alert, sleep better at night, need less medication, feel less isolated and more at home.”

Tansley House Care Home, Matlock

“Learning in care settings is one of the most effective quality of life sustaining 'vaccinations' against socio-health deterioration in care settings. It is a means for people to remain in the mainstream of everyday life and its challenges.”

Consultant Occupational Therapist

Partnership working• Care home providers• Sheltered housing• Domiciliary agencies• Local councils• Social services• Universities• Schools and Colleges• Creative Industries• Carers' organisations• Local community groups• Volunteering bureaux• GP surgeries• Funders

“Recreation, social and community activities and personal development are essential to quality of life for people of all ages and the benefits to the health and well being among older people, even in advanced frailty, have been demonstrated. However, studies suggest that almost 50 per cent of care home residents’ time is spent asleep, socially withdrawn or inactive, with only 3 per cent spent on constructive activity.”

Help The Aged (2006) My Home Life: quality of life in care homes