Receiving specialist welfare benefit within Social Services: a qualitative interview study of older people and their carers
Winder, R; Richards, SH; Wyatt, Katrina M.; et al.Campbell, John
Date: 2008
Article
Journal
Research Policy and Planning
Publisher
Social Services Research Group (SSRG)
Abstract
Benefits uptake in the older population is low compared to other age groups, and improving
access to, and uptake of, welfare benefits advice is a key goal of UK health and social
policies around active ageing. As there is little information on older people and/or their
carers’ experiences of receiving specialist welfare benefits ...
Benefits uptake in the older population is low compared to other age groups, and improving
access to, and uptake of, welfare benefits advice is a key goal of UK health and social
policies around active ageing. As there is little information on older people and/or their
carers’ experiences of receiving specialist welfare benefits advice within social services, we
undertook a qualitative interview study with service users and staff.
Interviewees described difficult life circumstances around the time of referral. The
complexities of accessing advice and of understanding the benefits system were recounted.
Participants felt the advice was beneficial regardless of whether it resulted in additional
income. The majority receiving additional benefits described a positive impact on life choices
and control, quality of life, independence and health. Awareness of eligibility and availability
of benefits and benefit advice remains low, and many older people and carers still feared the
intrusion of benefit provision and advice. Whilst these findings confirm the valuable role of
specialist benefits advice workers, more anticipatory rather than reactive approaches are
needed to identify vulnerable adults who are not already known to the social care system.
Institute of Health Research
Collections of Former Colleges
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