PROJECT UPDATE JANUARY 2012
- The project has supported the development of resources and learning from the Older People’s Pan-Regional Programme, as well as supporting academic research and evaluation. Over 20 different evaluation methods and tools have been used to capture the programme’s impact, and has been supported by 30 older people who have developed as community researchers. These volunteers have visited care homes and people in their own homes, and have used “guided” conversations to talk to residents about their experiences with the projects.
- The learning from the projects will be shared through a series of practical how-to guides including:
•Enriched Opportunities “How To” guide
•Domiciliary Care “How To” Guide
•Reading Groups for Older People guide
•Younger Dementia Guide
•Café D (Dementia café) Guide
•Nutrition Scoping Guide
•Physical Activity Guide
•Reference Guide for Cumbria.
- The guides include advice and ideas for management, as well as for staff or unpaid carers or volunteers including, for example, information on food hygiene and safety, help with eating and cooking, staying active and maintaining social wellbeing and independence.

The project will bring together all the learning from the Older Peoples Programme, within the context of available research, and develop it into good practice materials.

These tools will be available to all service providers and commissioners within the North West region, and potentially across England. The project also offers events and networking opportunities for providers and stakeholders, the last being a roadshow of regional events showcasing the Programme and materials.