Government proposes a ‘Sure Start’ for older people

A government report today proposes a “Sure Start for older
people” and a shift towards preventive services as the way to
tackle social exclusion among older people, writes
Mithran Samuel.

The Social Exclusion Unit report says that consultation with
older people suggests many would favour a Sure Start style system
through which they could access a range of services from a single
source.

It also makes the case for social care’s focus on those in
greatest need to be reversed, arguing that preventative services
will improve wellbeing and reduce the demand on acute care.

The adult green paper, due out next week, is expected to make a
similar call, though there is scepticism over whether the
government will fund a long-term shift in care priorities.

However, the SEU report promises to “develop a more
detailed economic case for prevention”, alongside performance
indicators to measure wellbeing.

• The report is available from www.socialexclusion.gov.uk