Description of the cases
| Case study | Pseudonym | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr and Mrs Brown | Mr and Mrs Brown are both in their early 70s, and Mrs Brown has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. She lives with her husband who is her main carer. She receives an individual budget/direct payment (nil contribution) managed by her husband to employ friends/personal carers to sit with her to provide respite for her husband. She also attends an exercise class, has a variety of aids and adaptations at home and a motability allowance. |
| 2 | Mr and Mrs Clark | Mr and Mrs Clark are an elderly couple, and Mrs Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease approximately 2–3 years ago. She lives with her husband who provides daily support. She also has the support of family close by. She has a 30 min visit each day from a carer from a formal care organisation who helps her to wash and dress (part-funded by council, but they contribute towards it). She has also received a reablement package in the past, various aids and adaptations at home and a telecare system. |
| 3 | Mr Norton | Mr Norton is in his late 60s, and has been living with Parkinson’s disease for around 6 years. He lives on his own. Through his disability living allowance (DLA) he pays for meals on wheels, a cleaner and gardener and a telecare system in his home. He has also received some aids and adaptations around the house. |
| 4 | Mr Rogers | Mr Rogers is in his early 50s, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 16 years ago. He lives on his own in a housing association flat. His sister and a number of close friends live nearby, who provide informal ad hoc support. He receives an individual budget/direct payment managed by an organisation to pay for formal carers to visit 3 times a day (he contributes a small amount towards this). He also has had various aids and adaptations in the flat and a telecare system. He has recently found a psychotherapist whom he will be paying for himself. |
Pseudonyms are used and identifying details removed to protect anonymity.