The aim of the research was to examine the housing options information for older people provided by each of the local authorities in Greater Manchester, with particular focus on older co-
researchers’ experiences.
The project was led by Greater Manchester Older People’s Network (GMOPN) in partnership with Care & Repair England and with support from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Eight members of GMOPN’s Housing and Neighbourhoods working group took part in the project as co-researchers. The project received funding from British Society of Gerontology’s The Averil Obsorne Award.
The research focused on three areas:
- The process of getting through to a person who can provide housing options information and advice in the local authority, and focus on the use of websites to provide information
- The type and quality of information and advice provided over the telephone
- How the older co-researchers described the quality of the interaction they had over the phone particular focus on older co-researchers’ experiences
The findings show there is a gap between the rhetoric and the front-line experience of older people. Greater Manchester has an opportunity to lead the way on integrated provision of information and advice for people wishing to make well informed housing, care and financial decisions in later life. There is also a need to raise awareness among older people about the housing options and support that is available to them locally, and what information and advice should be provided for them.
The Greater Manchester Older People's Network (GMOPN) is all about getting older people’s voices heard from right across Greater Manchester. Membership is open to individuals aged 50 and over and to organisations that support older people. For further information contact Beth on 0161 834 9823 or email: [email protected]
Website: www.gmopn.org.uk Twitter: @GMOPN1