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“The want for independence!”: Factors influencing care preferences for older people living in a local authority in northwest England
McSherry, Robert Makhumula-Nkhoma, Nellie Crompton, Rhian Blain, Janet Barnard, Jacob Nolan, Damian Kingston, Paul
McSherry, Robert
Makhumula-Nkhoma, Nellie
Crompton, Rhian
Blain, Janet
Barnard, Jacob
Nolan, Damian
Kingston, Paul
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2025-08-05
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Abstract
This paper reports a project evaluating public opinions regarding factors determining preferred place and type of care in older age. Design/methodology/approach: A service evaluation utilising appreciative inquiry and co-creation was conducted. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from public places and care/support facilities. Data were captured utilising five methods: four innovative, creative approaches (Snap Judgement, 3-Word elicitation, Ideas Board, Scenarios) and a survey. Results were analysed thematically. Findings: There were 126 participants, in the study; the majority expressed a preference for care in their own home. Closeness to family and friends was the most important factor in choice, followed by cost. A wide variety of sources were identified to gain information about care. A desire was expressed for local community-based care options. Research limitations/implications: Findings suggest most people may prefer to remain at home as they age, emphasising importance of domiciliary care in maximising independence. Leveraging technology could aid this goal. Further application of the creative methods used is essential to determine their effectiveness and validity. Practical implications: Unless individuals plan for their care arrangements in older age, the location and type of care may be determined at point of need, with minimal or no input from individuals involved. This may result in people not receiving their preferred mode of care. Originality/value: Assisted by the local authority’s proactiveness in commissioning the project, researchers actively engaged with the public in a variety of settings. Innovative data collection methods enabled capture of rich data and data triangulation strengthened trustworthiness.
Citation
McSherry, R., Makhumula-Nkhoma, N., Crompton, R., Blain, J., Barnard, J., Nolan, D., & Kingston, P. (2025). “The want for independence!”: Factors influencing care preferences for older people living in a local authority in northwest England. Working with Older People, 29(4), 394–405. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-05-2025-0026
Publisher
Emerald
Journal
Working with Older People
Research Unit
DOI
10.1108/wwop-05-2025-0026
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Article
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Description
This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact permissions@emerald.com.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1366-3666
EISSN
2042-8790
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The Study was funded by the Impact and Research Programme in partnership with a local authority in Northwest England