Accessing care coordination information: the non-statutory sector contribution

Purpose
The provision of information and advice for older people arranging their own care is a policy objective. This study explores the range and scope of web-based information about care coordination activities for older people in the non-statutory sector in England.

Design/methodology/approach
Non-statutory organisations were identified through a structured internet search. Identified services were screened to identify those providing at least one care coordination activity. A postal survey of services was conducted in 2014 and results compared with the initial findings of the web search.

Findings
Almost 300 services were identified, most were provided by three organisations: Age UK; Alzheimer’s Society; and the British Red Cross. Brokerage was the most frequently reported care coordination activity; the majority of services focussed on help to stay at home; older people (including those with dementia) and carers were the target groups most often identified. Comparison of the two information sources revealed a significant agreement between two care coordination’s activities: compiling support plans and monitoring and review.

Research limitations/implementations
Findings are based on a purposive sample of organisations and therefore care must be exercised in generalising from them.

Originality/value
This study is one of the first to explore the nature and extent of information about care coordination activities provided by the non-statutory sector in England. It was conducted when policy advocated both an increased role for the non-statutory sector and an increase in self-directed support.