research projects

shaping better services for older people

Counsel and Care recognise that research is vital if government is to improve services for older people, particularly with regard to funding. We work alongside respected academics to produce evidence which will inform our policy influencing work and shape better services for older people.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Care Homes
We are grateful to the Nuffield Foundation for their support of this project .

We worked with the University of Lancaster and the University of the West of England on this piece of research.The project aimed to determine current practice in care homes for older people with respect to planning for care when communication or cognition becomes impaired, and/or at the end of life. The second stage of the project was an action research programme of ACP development and evaluation in selected care homes. Finally a good practice guide was produced for use in care homes.

The final research report can be downloaded below

Advance Care Planning report

Ascertaining Wishes: A Good Practice Guide can be ordered by visiting our publications page or by telephoning 020 7241 8555.