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
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Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
