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Circles of Support and personalization: Exploring the economic case
Gerald Wistow1, Margaret Perkins2, Martin Knapp2
1London School of Economics and Political Science, UK g.wistow@lse.ac.uk.
Circles of Support help adults with learning disabilities live more independently. This study suggests they offer improved social care outcomes and community inclusion at a lower cost than traditional support.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Health Services Research
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Circles of Support are community-based initiatives designed to foster independence and social inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities.
- Traditional support models, often involving long-term residential care, can be costly and may not fully promote community integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effectiveness and economic viability of Circles of Support for adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities.
- To assess the impact of Circles of Support on independent living, social care outcomes, and community well-being.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study was conducted involving five Circles of Support in North West England between 2012 and 2014.
- Data collection likely included qualitative accounts from members and potentially quantitative cost analysis.
Main Results:
- Members reported success in enabling core individuals to live more independent lives with better social care outcomes.
- Circles of Support appeared to operate within lower cost envelopes compared to traditional support services.
- Successful harnessing of community resources led to enhanced social inclusion and improved well-being for participants.
Conclusions:
- Circles of Support show tentative evidence of providing cost-effective support for people with learning disabilities.
- Further rigorous research is warranted to validate the potential of Circles of Support as an alternative to residential care.
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