JET Exploring the service user experience of those living with cognitive impairment through their carers and relatives (Oct 2022)
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Healthwatch Greenwich carried out a qualitative research project using one-to-one interviews on the experience of people who use Joint Emergency Team (JET) services. Their focus was on people living with a cognitive impairment/dementia through the lens of their carers/relatives.
JET is a multi-disciplinary service designed to support people at home and in the community through the delivery of crisis intervention and rehabilitation services at home or in intermediate care facilities. It is a central part of ‘Home First’ - an overarching strategy increasingly used by health and care commissioners and providers to support and treat people at home, where it is appropriate to do so, and avoid unnecessary hospital admission. Being at home with the right support is often the best way for people to stay well. People who spend extended periods of time in hospital are less likely to be able to go home and be as independent as they were. Nine interviews were carried out with service users’ primary and secondary carers.
JET is effective in providing timely and crucial support to service users with a cognitive impairment. In the short term, support addresses immediate health and care needs and provides carers with practical support and reassurance. Support delivered is person centred, meeting the needs and preferences of service users and carers, providing significant benefits to improve quality of life.
Beyond immediate crisis needs, broader health and care needs of service users are not addressed, and carers are not fully supported to manage the ongoing expectations of their caring role. Carers lack understanding of the role of JET.
Limited follow up after crisis intervention means that carers are unable to adequately access further support. In addition, carers are not provided with adequate information or choices about what support is available for their relatives. This restricts carers from engaging in decision-making processes about care provided to their relatives.