Serious gaps in specialist services for older people with mental health problems and sensory impairments as well as poor provision for minority groups, have been highlighted in a report from the Social Services Inspectorate, writes Natasha Salari.
A general shortfall in the availability of mental health services was compounded by other observations, including that the mental health needs of black and minority ethnic elders were often unmet, particularly for intensive services. For those with visual and sensory impairments specialist services were often limited and had long waiting lists.
The SSI found that where services were not culturally sensitive, there was “considerable potential for isolation and poor outcomes, exacerbated by language difficulties and potential misunderstandings by staff”.
The report also showed that only 1,000 older people across England are receiving direct payments even though many councils recognised the importance of developing the system.
However, the report details a number of improvements in the last
year including improved integrated strategic planning between
health and social care services, and the beginnings of a
“cultural shift” towards promoting independence and
offering choice.
Source:
Improving Older People’s Services – An Overview of
Performance
Youth Justice and the Youth Justice Board
26 August 2008
Substance misuse
15 August 2008
Details of government consultations
21 August 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
