King's College London

A research study undertaken in 2014-17 investigated the role and purpose of generalist day centres for older people. It shows the benefits gained by attenders, their family carers and centre volunteers are precisely the outcomes targeted by policy. It also identified the potential for centres’ development and optimisation to improve older people’s health and wellbeing, support carers and maximise the impact of health and social care services. This briefing summarises the study’s findings, their relevance and implications for commissioners.