Effectiveness of the reablement services

This Insight examines the evidence around the effectiveness of reablement services.

Key points

• Initial research findings suggest reablement is an effective and cost-effective alternative to traditional homecare
• Evaluations reveal improvements in the health of people using services and show high levels of recipient satisfaction with the service
• Reablement has been shown to work best when staff are fully trained; receive ongoing management support; have sufficient flexibility over the duration and content of visits; and are working in multi-disciplinary teams
• Studies suggest that any transfer of provision for individuals from local authority reablement services to independent providers should be carefully handled in order to minimise disruption to service users
• A longitudinal study due for publication at the end of 2010 is expected to provide conclusive evidence about the impact and effectiveness of reablement services