Improving personal budgets for older people: a research overview
This short report is an evidence overview of key pieces of UK research between 2007 and 2012, which focused on the implementation and uptake of personal budgets and direct payments for older people (including those with dementia) in England. It is not a systematic research review or an exhaustive examination of published research on the topic. Rather, it aims to give an overview of the main themes of research findings which help to identify the challenges and solutions to improving choice and control for older people (including those living with dementia) through the use of personal budgets and direct payments. Issues covered include: culture and system change; making choices and decisions; information and advice; direct payments and support services; understanding allowance and spend; budget management, monitoring and review; risk management and contingency planning; and older people living with dementia.