New research provides compelling evidence that the quality of life and isolation of older people receiving care is dramatically improved when citizen volunteers are ‘prescribed’.
The full research launched on Tuesday 4 July 2006 was commissioned by CSV, Help the Aged and the British Red Cross. It finds that 83% of older people receiving volunteer support report improvements in their quality of life. Face-to-face interviews conducted as part of the research also reveals that some older people prefer support from volunteers, reflecting their poor experience of care in the past. (Click here to download full report).
The research shows that by spending time and taking an interest in those they support volunteers improve the dignity of older people, combat isolation and help them lead independent lives. The research comes in the wake of a series of recent reports highlighting the failure of existing services to fully consider the needs of older people,(1) the need to provide adequate personal care,(2) the rising numbers of isolated older housebound people (3) and the need to support people to live independent lives. (4)
The study, called Making a Difference through Volunteering, was conducted by a team of researchers from the Older People’s Programme. It canvases the views of more than 160 care service users in addition to 160 volunteers and 6 projects providing volunteer services commissioned by NHS organisations and Local Authorities, as part of the wider formal support. The study has been funded by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales.
Volunteers provide important support for many older people, carrying out a wide range of tasks including those that are not currently carried out by anyone else - and especially not by statutory agencies. These include: accompanying people to doctor appointments and helping with housework and shopping.
The research finds the social role of volunteers is an essential element in breaking isolation and improving independence and well being among older people. Unlike most paid staff, volunteers have flexibility with their time to talk and listen with older people. Over two-thirds of the volunteers in the survey believe that their most important role is providing a listening ear.
The research also demonstrates how volunteers can help reach people who have refused help from statutory services and how volunteers are viewed more as a friend than as a carer.
Helen Bowers, Director of the Older People’s Programme and lead author of the report, says: “The research demonstrated that volunteers play a vital, and often under-estimated, role in boosting the self esteem and confidence of the people they support. They provide a wide range of practical and emotional support that in many cases is not being offered by anyone else - family members nor local services. The fact that volunteers care and choose to be there was incredibly important to service users involved in this work - and had clearly made a difference to their sense of independence and overall wellbeing.”
Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, Executive Director of CSV: “CSV was struck by comments that some older people prefer support form volunteers reflecting their poor experience of care in the past. We challenge all care providers to raise their game and understand that services provided by volunteers, far from being second best, are our best hope for a better quality of life for all citizens. It is only when professionals truly partner citizens that far more and far better services will reach those who need them. ”
Michael Lake CBE, Director General, Help the Aged, says “The value that volunteers give to the quality of life of older people remains largely unrecognised and it is high time we saw a sea change in this. More older people want to stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible and that a ‘little extra help’ with day to day activities, such as shopping, housework, getting to a GP surgery, can be a real life-saver. Without such support, many older people would struggle to stay independent, become socially isolated, not to mention having their dignity severely compromised.”
Sir Nicholas Young, Chief Executive, British Red Cross: “This research shows how volunteers gain from the experience and help build local communities by promoting active citizenship and breaking down social isolation.”
Andrew Cozens CBE, former president of the Association of Directors of Social Services is assisting with the launch of the research. Andrew Cozens says: “Volunteers offer sensitive, person centred support which complements professional care. However, they are neither a ‘free’ nor a cheap alternative and are providing much needed support and engagement lacking elsewhere in the system. There needs to be smarter commissioning of volunteer services to ensure that schemes are financially viable and sustainable.”
The research finds that the volunteers were just as likely to benefit as those they help, with 90% reporting personal satisfaction through volunteering, 70% saying it had helped them to keep active. Over half reported an increased sense of self-worth. The motivations behind volunteering were predominately helping others (65%) and meeting new people (34%).
To improve care for older people the research calls for greater recognition of the success of volunteers and to incorporate co-working with volunteers more widely throughout the UK. The research also suggests that better monitoring of the outcomes and impact of volunteers working with care services would result in smarter commissioning and funding of future volunteers programmes.
Quotes from older people on the impact of volunteers on their life:
• “We had a laugh. I’m treated with dignity and respect. I felt bullied by the rehab team, bullied to go into the kitchen and cook. For 3 weeks I had to keep telling them what my situation was. They treated me like I was stupid and incapable. (I) felt intrusion in my own home and not supported. But I was so impressed (by the volunteer) that I want to become a volunteer myself”.
• "K spends time with me and explains things. It’s uplifting knowing someone's going to come round and take me out, knowing someone is coming gives me the incentive to wash my hair”.
• “(I get) practical help but given willingly, as a good friend would".
• “Life is better because she wants to come and see you and she wouldn’t come if she didn’t want to”.
• “(The volunteer) is always there when I get worried, (I’m) much happier”.
• “(Because of the volunteer) I can continue to live a day to day life in my own home”.
• “(The volunteer treats me) as a friend would”.
For further press information call Paul Donohoe 020 7812 0037/07779 624 385 or email pdonohoe@csv.org.uk or Jason Tanner 020 7812 0038/ 07941 433598 jtanner@csv.org.uk
(Click here for Executive Summary)
Notes for Editors
1. Living well in later life Healthcare Commission, the Audit Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection - March 2006
2. Financial care models in Scotland and the UK Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Feb 2006
3. A Sure Start to Later Life Social Exclusion Unit - Jan 2006
4. Our health, our care, our say White Paper Department of Health - Jan 2006
5. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK’s leading volunteer charity and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Each year 195,000 people give 4.9 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. www.csv.org.uk
6. Help the Aged is an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. Help the Aged campaigns for change in Government policy, undertakes research into the needs of older people and provides local services in communities across the UK and overseas. www.helptheaged.org.uk
7. The British Red Cross helps vulnerable people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. In the UK it provides short-term care and support in the home for people after an accident or illness, giving them the confidence to continue their daily lives. www.redcross.org.uk
8. The Older People's Programme (OPP) works with local, regional and national partners across the UK to improve services for older people, influence policy and practice, share learning and information about good practice, and support the continuous development of health, social care and housing services.
9. The Lloyds TSB Foundations make one of the largest grant-making trusts in the UK and support charities that help people, especially those who are disadvantaged or disabled, to play a fuller role in their communities.