Warning on future services for elderly

Councils in the South East are unprepared for an increase in demand
for mental health services for older people, a report from the
charity Friends of the Elderly warns.

Research in 26 South East local authorities, where there is a
higher concentration of over-65s, shows many of them lacking
reliable information to map out future needs.

Friends of the Elderly is warning that “hot spots” of serious need
will be created which will “stretch current service provision to
the limit and probably beyond”.

The report recommends that statutory authorities work in a more
integrated way with voluntary and independent providers. 

– The Shape of Future Care for Older People with Mental Health
Needs from www.fote.org.uk