Exploring the effects of the economic slowdown on adult social care

Researchers: Caroline Glendinning; Ruth Chamberlain, Jacqueline Curtis, Diana Sanderson, Liz Newbronner (Acton Shapiro)

Funder: Local Government Association (LGA); Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)

Duration: March 2009 – November 2009

Aims

This small scale study complements other research undertaken by LGA/ADASS. It aims to explore the effects – positive and negative, direct and indirect - of the economic downturn on social care and support services and the consequent impacts on service users.

The study is being undertaken in four local authority areas, selected to reflect a range of demographic and socio-economic characteristics. It involves:

• semi-structured interviews with key staff in each local authority
• Semi-structured interviews with a range of provider organisations in each local authority
• Interviews with national bodies representing service users, in order to place the local findings within a wider context
• A review of recent grey literature and other relevant reports.

Policy and practice aims

The study will contribute to current knowledge about the impact of the economic downturn on the commissioners, providers and users of local authority-funded adult social care and will contribute to future debates about levels of funding for this sector.

Press coverage

Community Care, June 11 2011 Research Review: How the recession is affecting adult social services.

"As a snapshot of how the economy affects all of us, this research report is invaluable. The four case studies enabled detailed examination of the evidence through a range of stakeholder perspectives and presented pertinent and coherent themes in relation to a number of issues of interest to those responsible for managing the future direction of adults' social care. The authors acknowledge the limitations of what can be learned from such a snapshot so further interrogation of these issues through ongoing research is strongly indicated."

Publication

Show Abstract...

2010

The Impact of the Economic Slowdown on Adult Social Care: A report for the Local Government Association, 2010
Chamberlain, R., Sanderson, D., Curtis, J., Newbronner, L. and Glendinning, C., Local Government Association.

If you require further information about the project, please contact Caroline Glendinning