Service framework launched in Wales

A new national service framework for older people in Wales was launched this week with a stronger emphasis on community-based services than its English counterpart.

The Welsh document contains 10 standards, adding “challenging dependency” and “medicines and older people” to the eight set out in the English framework.

The challenging dependency standard stresses the importance of older people retaining independence and control through community based care, specialist equipment or housing adaptations.

The first stage of the framework’s implementation will require the establishment of strong local leadership for older people, involving them in service planning and rooting out age discrimination.

Caroline Bernard, policy and campaigns manager at Counsel and Care, welcomed the focus on challenging dependency, saying it chimed with what older people themselves wanted.

Ana Palazon, Wales executive of Help the Aged said: “The NSF is a positive and welcome measure to ensure older people receive equitable access to health and social care services across Wales.”