This document sets out how coordinated – or integrated – care and support looks and feels to older people and is written from their point of view.

The publication challenges health and care services to work together and improve the outcomes older people say are most important to them – things like independence, social interaction and relational support. It outlines five themes that older people say are key to coordinated support: independence, community interactions, decision making, care and support and terminology. It also sets out a series of ‘I statements’ that summarise what older people have said that they want their support to look like.

The ‘I statements’ summarise what older people have said that they want their support to look like, including:

• “I can maintain social contact as much as I want”
• “I am recognised for what I can do rather than assumptions being made about what I cannot”
• “I am supported to be independent”

It also discusses implications for health and social care services and asks professionals, at all levels, to reflect on whether they are truly addressing the issues identified as being important to older people.

I’m Still Me is based on interviews with 74 older people about what matters most to them in their lives and about the support and care they receive as well as focus groups and a literature review.