One-stop shop for older people to be launched

The government, Local Government Association and older people
charities are joining forces to create a one stop shop for older
people.

Launching the Link-Age document, pensions minister Malcolm Wicks
was due to say this week that he wanted to provide a network for
older people to enhance independent living.

Plans include linking health and social care into a single
assessment process, giving older people a single point of access to
the care system, and enabling social services to better target care
packages.

Other services will include streamlining benefit services to
prevent the duplication of information. Voluntary organisations
will be given more powers to take claims for benefits and verify
documents.

Expected to be put out to regional consultation later this year,
Link Age is a commitment to the government’s Third Age 2001
manifesto.

 LGA deputy chair Chris Clarke said: “It is important to
remember that older people’s services is a very broad area
and is not just about dealing with the 20 per cent of older people
who require assistance from social services for their care
requirements.

“There is a growing demand for additional choice for
people who need care and assistance to maintain independent
living.”