Guidance for single assessments of older people issued

Final guidance on the single assessment process for older people
has been launched by health minister Jacqui Smith.

Older people will receive their own individual care plan
following their assessment. It will explain the purpose of
providing help, details of help and what should happen in
emergencies.

As part of the national service framework for older people,
local implementation of the single assessment process should be
phased over two years.

Smith said: “All too often, assessment is done to older people
rather than with them, and is often duplicated by professionals
because information is not shared.

“Implementation should lead to a more uniform approach to
assessment across the country, less duplication and paperwork, and
more emphasis on looking at older people’s needs in the
round, and getting the service right the first time,” she said.

During this year, social services and local NHS bodies should
review their approach to assessment of older people, and should
begin to implement the process. Further reviews will be required by
2003 and 2004, by which time implementation should be achieved.

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