Evaluation Of Partnerships For Older People Pilots
Partnerships for Older People Projects (POPP) was launched in 2005 to develop and evaluate services and approaches for older people aimed at promoting health, well-being and independence and preventing or delaying the need for higher intensity or institutional care.
The focus of the POPP programme has been to test and evaluate different models of service through 29 local authority-led pilots. The pilots have aimed to create a sustainable shift in resources and culture away from institutional and hospital based crisis care for older people towards earlier, targeted interventions for older people within their own homes and communities.
Over a quarter of a million people have used one or more of the POPP services. These services have been aimed at meeting low level to high level needs and have ranged from rapid response services, to mental health cafés with open door access for older people, to falls prevention services, telephone advice services and befriending schemes.
Within the context of Putting People First and the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention agenda, the evidence and learning from the pilots is intended to support council-led partnerships to invest in preventative approaches which improve the quality of life of older people and are cost-effective.