The problem 

People aged over 65 living at home may experience a decline over time in their ability to carry out everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and looking after themselves. Could ‘reablement’ programmes to build up their mobility and everyday functioning help them to live more independently? 

The project 

The Department of Health asked the HRB to examine international evidence about reablement interventions for people over 65 in their homes. These are activities that focus on increasing strength, movement and confidence. The research identified 13 evidence reviews and weighed up the quality and findings of the studies, to see what kinds of impacts reablement programmes in the home can have. 

The outcomes 

The HRB review found that: 

  • Reablement programmes take place in homes in Australia, Norway, UK, USA and Canada 
  • People often need fewer home visits for healthcare after they have taken part in a reablement intervention 
  • A person-centred approach, where the person understands why they are doing a reablement intervention and what the goals are, is likely to lead to a better outcome 
  • We need more research to understand whether reablement programmes at home improve a person’s quality of life and reduce their unplanned hospital visits 
  • International studies have since confirmed the HRB review’s findings 
  • The HRB findings are now available to help inform home-based reablement strategies and interventions in Ireland.

Martin Keane says: 

“Reablement is an approach that looks to build up a person’s skills and functions so they can carry out everyday activities independently. It’s not suitable for all people over 65, however our evidence review has shown that where it is suitable, that a reablement intervention can have positive outcomes, such as reducing a person’s reliance on home visits for support. We have also shown where direct evidence is lacking, particularly around quality of life, and this can inform future research.

“Helping people over 65 to help themselves live well at home” is part of a wider collection of success stories across four themes from this year’s annual Health Research in Action.

Download Health Research in Action 2021.