The issue of differences in loss of autonomy across departments is crucial, as these departments play a leading role in social care for older people. For the first time, by combining several data sources, it is possible to obtain a snapshot of the care needs of older people in each department in France. Unlike previous studies on the subject, this one is not limited to the population receiving benefits related to loss of autonomy (Abassi et al., 2020); but includes both those living at home and those in care homes (Brunel and Carrère, 2017) and compares several measures of loss of autonomy (Larbi and Roy, 2019). Furthermore, it enables us to examine the implications of departmental policy through two channels: (1) the way in which departments apply the criteria for evaluating Loss of autonomy, and (2) the provision of care home places and the residential mobility this may entail.
Mapping the loss of autonomy among older people
Presentation
Key Results
An analysis of several measures of loss of autonomy highlights differences between departments in terms of prevalence, the type of loss of autonomy and its onset at an early age.
Pas-de-Calais is particularly affected by physical disabilities (24 per cent of people aged 60 or over), Guadeloupe by cognitive disorders (17 per cent) and Lozère by difficulties with personal hygiene (13 per cent). Nord and Seine-Saint-Denis stand out for difficulties arising at an early age (before the age of 75).
These differences in needs do not fully correspond to the evaluation of loss of autonomy conducted by the departmental councils.
Departmental differences in needs show little change when considering the department of residence prior to admission to a care home, with the exception of a few departments. Paris is the department in which the prevalence of Loss of autonomy decreases the most due to an ‘institutional’ exodus.
Partners
This study received financial support from the National Solidarity Fund for Independence (CNSA). It was carried out as part of an IPP-CNSA research contract entitled “The trajectories of older people experiencing a loss of autonomy and regional disparities in care / support”.