Live in care at Home – Elderly home care blog

Councils in the UK are not ready to meet the challenges of the ageing population, according to a report by the Audit Commission.

The report investigates the difficulties faced by older people trying to access council services.

Belinda Wadsworth, Regional Policy Manager at Help the Aged, says: ‘Older people often tell us that they feel ignored and let down by their local council.

‘Councils have a stereotypical view of older people and their needs – they often lump anyone over 50 into a group of people who need health and social care services.

‘If you’re looking for local tap-dancing lessons, it must be very frustrating to be put through to social services just because of your age’

‘If you’re looking for local tap-dancing lessons, it must be very frustrating to be put through to social services just because of your age.

‘Even when older people are asked for their views, it seems they’re often not listened to, and many older people’s forums develop ‘consultation fatigue’. There is more to consultation than a council officer turning up to an older people’s group with a Powerpoint presentation.’

The Charity’s Towards Common Ground campaign challenges central and local government to create ‘lifetime neighbourhoods’ which cater for the needs of people of all ages.

News reported by Help the Aged