Supporting Community Access Through Positive Risk-Taking in Older People’s Services
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Access to the community is central to wellbeing, identity and independence for older people. Yet community activities are often restricted due to concerns about falls, exploitation or public safety. Positive risk-taking provides a structured way to enable participation while maintaining proportionate safeguards.
This article draws on positive risk-taking and safeguarding and human rights to demonstrate safe, inspection-ready approaches.
The impact of restricting community access
Limiting outings can increase isolation, depression and physical decline. Risk-averse practices often underestimate people’s abilities and overestimate hazards, leading to unnecessary confinement.
Operational example 1: Independent shopping trips
Context: An older person wanted to resume local shopping independently.
Support approach: Risks were assessed collaboratively.
Day-to-day delivery: Routes were agreed, emergency contacts carried and initial visits supported.
Evidence of effectiveness: Confidence increased and no safeguarding concerns arose.
Operational example 2: Using public transport safely
Context: Concerns existed around using buses.
Support approach: Travel training and gradual exposure were implemented.
Day-to-day delivery: Staff accompanied journeys before stepping back.
Evidence of effectiveness: Independent travel sustained with reduced anxiety.
Operational example 3: Managing lone activity risks
Context: An individual preferred walking alone.
Support approach: Time-limited check-ins and agreed boundaries were set.
Day-to-day delivery: Staff reviewed experiences during keywork sessions.
Evidence of effectiveness: No incidents and improved emotional wellbeing.
Commissioner expectation
Commissioners expect providers to demonstrate community inclusion outcomes alongside effective risk management.
Regulator expectation (CQC)
CQC expects positive risk-taking decisions to be person-centred, documented and regularly reviewed.
Governance and assurance
Strong governance includes trend analysis, safeguarding oversight and staff supervision to ensure community access remains safe and enabling.
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