Making good decisions in later life about how and where to live, and about support and care that may be needed, is not easy or straightforward. Coming to terms with increasing vulnerability, the prospect of perhaps having to move home, sifting well-meaning advice offered by others and the affordability of preferred solutions are some of the many more factors come into play. There is often an inclination to put off difficult decisions until later (Clough, Leamy & Bright, 2003; Heywood et al., 2007).
The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC), a national charity, provides support in making these decisions, offering a national information and advice service, with a significant number of local housing options advice and casework services. As a lead agency in the FirstStop Advice network, EAC is keen to explore a number of areas. These include the design, delivery, cost effectiveness and impact of current lower cost interventions, evidencing gains to the public purse of these interventions and/or shaping and marketing a new service package that older people and their families would willingly pay for.
The successful candidate will work closely with EAC and supervisors from Bournemouth University to develop and deliver a project that will enable EAC to address these areas.
Your supervisors will be:
Dr Sarah Hean, Dr Ann Hemingway and Dr Jonathan Parker from the School of Health and Social Care. You will also be working in close association with the leadership of the EAC and the Later Life Research (LLR) partnership.                                                                                            Â
Your Interests:
A background in health economics and/or the social and financial impact of services within the third sector would be an advantage.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates for this fully-funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years. All candidates must satisfy the Universityâs minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project.
For details on how to apply please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/phd2013Â
For project details please contact shean@bournemouth.ac.ukÂ
Closing Date:Â The first call for applications will close on 21st June 2013.