Reimagining Collective Forms of Day Care Provision for Older People

Context: There is a view in England that collective forms of day care for older adults are ‘out-dated’. However, recent studies in the UK and internationally suggest that these services have the potential to address contemporary policy aspirations. Objective(s): This paper reports findings from a study that explored the role of collective day care in England in order to consider a reimagining of services. Method(s): The paper draws on qualitative data collected from 8 case-studies in which 120 interviews were held with older people, their carers, staff and managers of services and local stakeholders. Interviews with managers included questions about the costs and resources used in running services. The reimagined models of care were refined in workshops with research partners. Findings: Analysis of the data revealed three themes underpinning day care provision: the importance of space, place and transport; inclusive and person-centred practice; and the need for purposeful activities. Three models of reimagined day care were developed: 1) small scale collective care for low to moderate needs, 2) larger scale preventative and social provision and, 3) collective care for people with complex and personal care needs. Limitations: Recruitment of sites began after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in 2021, some sites had not reopened or declined to take part, consequently the study may not reflect the full range of day care services that exist. Implications: The findings illustrate the potential of different models of collective day care services to work together as part of an ecosystem that addresses contemporary policy aspirations.