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Chapter 13 tests the inclusivity of age-friendliness for the lives of older people with sight loss living within English urban and rural communities. The chapter presents findings from an in-depth study with diverse groups of older people with vision impairment to consider how their needs and aspirations can be, or are being met in relation to the development of age-friendly cities and communities. The study identifies transport and the built environment as two important areas for vision impaired older people, emphasising the significance of more inclusive design, including assistive technology and accessible street design, in facilitating social inclusion. In order to move AFCCs policies forward, the authors conclude, the approach requires recognition of the heterogeneity of the ageing population and the importance of involving people in co-design and co-production of living spaces.
This article describes findings from a project that explored what happens to people with dementia (PWDs) following discharge from a general hospital to a residential care home. In 15 out of 109 cases referred to a hospital psychiatric liaison team, admission to a residential care home was indicated during the hospital stay. This ‘last resort’ for families, following repeated hospital admissions and a deteriorating condition, was accepted when all involved agreed that it was in the best interests of the PWDs. Four months after the move, carers reflected on their criteria for choosing the home, their expectations and whether these were met. Carers’ own wellbeing improved and their mental distress reduced as the PWDs appeared settled and safer. However, the findings suggest a continuing key role for family carers of PWDs in care homes and emphasises the need for advocacy for PWDs without such support.
