Older People and the Law

 Older People and the Law
 Ann McDonald and Margaret Taylor,
 BASW/Policy Press
 ISBN 9781861347145,
 £16.99

 STAR RATING: 3/5

There is no single body of law relating specifically to older people but increasing policies, guidance and generic legislation that define the powers and duties of agencies is now running alongside promotion of the rights of older individuals, their carers and networks, writes Trish Hafford-Letchfield.

Textbooks on law can be dry but this one ticked all the right boxes. Starting with social care in the community, it covers the basics as well as useful detail about what and where to focus on in relation to specific issues such as direct payments, carers, health, housing needs and residential care.

End of life care issues are also acknowledged. Practitioners will find the sections on financial management, death and family provision helpful for pointers when dealing with individual cases.

The book also addresses what is needed for any assessment or decision-making process in an accessible way. While not recommended as an engrossing read, any organisations concerned with the rights of older people should aim to have a copy in their teams.

Trish Hafford-Letchfield is chair of Age Concern Greenwich and lecturer in social work, London South Bank University