Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this study was to test on a limited scale the procedures and problems of following up clients over a period of time, using caring staff to undertake the interviews, and to give some indication of the degree of change. In the experimental phase (SN: 517) interviewing procedures were tested and sufficient data was collected for statistical work on measurement development.

Main Topics: Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Place of residence (type), previous residence (distance away), length of residence, tenure, type and cost of accommodation, household composition, amenities (whether shared). Proximity of friends/relatives/help and frequency of contact, use of telephone. Respondent's mobility/self-care problems and capabilities, type of help needed and received, meal/shopping arrangements, visits to clubs/centres and hospitals. Distance to nearest food shops, chemists and place where pension drawn. Emergency arrangements, aids used, therapy/training and treatment received. Frequency of visits to and from doctor, details of respondent's medical problems (pain or difficulty in using various parts of the body, headaches, giddiness, digestive problems, heart condition, respiratory diseases, sight, hearing, incontinence). Personal worries, anxieties, fears, nervous trouble, morale, loneliness, depression, appetite, sleeping pattern, memory. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, occupation (present and before retirement), hours worked, voluntary work undertaken, income.

Systematic

Face-to-face interview