The Home Independence Project

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop, pilot and implement a service model for home care that would promote independence in older people. Using available evidence a multi-disciplinary team developed the Home Independence Program by: 1. defining the key components of an enabling service model. 2. identifying effective interventions. 3. integrating them into a coherent service model. Fifty-six older participants were recruited into the pilot study to test and refine the program and to see if it improved client independence. The results of the pilot showed that 32% of those completing the program did not need ongoing services and 39% had reduced service requirements. Participants also demonstrated gains in their everyday functioning, mobility, confidence and morale. Following the success of the pilot, the program was implemented for an operational trial. The results of the operational trial were better than the pilot study, with 70% of participants not requiring ongoing services after completing the program. This project demonstrated the potential of independence promoting interventions to reduce the demand for home care.