This study showed that linking local authority (LA) data with routinely collected electronic health records (EHR) within the SAIL Databank is possible. This approach helps better understand the people accessing reablement care in Wales. It also shows how combining healthcare and local government information can provide a clearer view of a population, similar to past research on unpaid carers in Wales.
People accessing reablement care were mainly female, from older age groups, and in poorer health than those not accessing these services.
The number of reablement care packages accessed decreased over the study period, but the age, sex, and health of those accessing the care remained stable.
Reablement services and the teams delivering them varied across local authorities. These differences may reflect local needs, resources, or how services have evolved.
Referrals for reablement care packages were more commonly from community sources than hospitals across all ages. However, as age increased, the proportion of community referrals decreased while hospital referrals increased. This may be because older patients are more likely to need hospital care.
Most reablement care packages prevented the need for a long-term care and support plan.
Caveats/limitations
This study analyses people accessing reablement care in Bridgend and RCT. The findings should not be used to evaluate the performance of local services but rather to offer insights for improving service delivery.
Although Bridgend and RCT have some similarities, these findings cannot be considered representative of reablement care across Wales due to differences in demographics, services, data systems, and recording practices across different areas.
The analysis only includes reablement care packages provided during the study period, so no conclusions can be made about the overall demand for these services or the broader need for reablement care. While most care packages did not need long-term support, individuals may still have pursued private care independently.
Given this study’s descriptive nature, it is impossible to draw broader conclusions about the impact of reablement care in these local authorities.
The study did not include detailed information on the care accessed, making it impossible to accurately compare the interventions or support provided over time or across different groups.
Conclusion/implications
New Insights into Reablement Care: This study provides new insights into the demographics and health of people accessing reablement care in specific areas of Wales. It adds value by helping us better understand the population, identify potential inequalities, and find ways to improve service delivery.
Positive Impact of Reablement: Similar to data from StatsWales, our findings suggest that reablement care generally has a positive effect. However, local authorities’ differences in data systems and recording practices make it difficult to understand the impact fully.
Standardised Data Collection: Introducing common data definitions, standards, and collection practices across local authorities in Wales could provide deeper insights into health outcomes. This would help target those most in need, support them in gaining and maintaining independence, and enable the evaluation of new care models—promoting innovation in health and social care.