R Hoskins1, J Tobin, K McMaster, T Quinn. 1. Nursing & Midwifery School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, 59 Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LW, UK. robert.hoskins@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the roll-out of a nurse-led Attendance Allowance (AA) screening programme in 24 general practices located within the largest Local Health Care Co-operative in Glasgow. STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation study METHODS: Six hundred and thirty participants aged over 64 years who, in the nurses' clinical judgement, appeared to have care needs were recruited opportunistically by community nurses over a 15-month period. A money advice worker contacted all potential underclaimers offering a home visit to assess for unclaimed benefits. The main outcome measured was the total amount of unclaimed AA, linked benefits and grants. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-three participants and 13 relatives were awarded a total of 1,136,424.10 pounds. Of this, 1,016,908.70 pounds was on a recurrent annual basis and 119,515.44 pounds was awarded as lump sums. CONCLUSIONS: This method of benefits assessment (community-nurse-led pre-AA screening followed by a home visit from a money advice worker) would appear to be an efficient and effective method of income maximization that could be rolled out nationally within primary care settings located in deprived areas.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the roll-out of a nurse-led Attendance Allowance (AA) screening programme in 24 general practices located within the largest Local Health Care Co-operative in Glasgow. STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation study METHODS: Six hundred and thirty participants aged over 64 years who, in the nurses' clinical judgement, appeared to have care needs were recruited opportunistically by community nurses over a 15-month period. A money advice worker contacted all potential underclaimers offering a home visit to assess for unclaimed benefits. The main outcome measured was the total amount of unclaimed AA, linked benefits and grants. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-three participants and 13 relatives were awarded a total of 1,136,424.10 pounds. Of this, 1,016,908.70 pounds was on a recurrent annual basis and 119,515.44 pounds was awarded as lump sums. CONCLUSIONS: This method of benefits assessment (community-nurse-led pre-AA screening followed by a home visit from a money advice worker) would appear to be an efficient and effective method of income maximization that could be rolled out nationally within primary care settings located in deprived areas.
Authors: Dipesh P Gopal; Sarah Beardon; Martin Caraher; Charlotte Woodhead; Stephanie Jc Taylor Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2021-09-30 Impact factor: 6.302