How to Improve our Elderly Care System
The old age care system in the UK is something that has not really seen too many improvements in the last few years. There is still along way to go before we arrive at a method that properly looks after the needs of older people. Considering the fast ageing population of the country, it is imperative that we put in all our efforts into bringing about these changes. Here are a few interesting ideas on how to create a social care system fit for an ageing population.
1. Age well and Stay Well
It is important that older people should be able to age well in a happy home. The longer lives should be lived out in a purposeful way that makes the elderly feel connected to society. As of now, there are major inequalities in the lives of those over the age of 65. Many are neglectful of their health and this is a trend that needs to be changed quickly. After all, good health is vital for a happy life.
2. Shift to prevention and pro-active care:
Older people who have long-term stable conditions should be allowed to live peacefully without sudden intrusions into their daily routine. Generally hospitals do not give ample attention to the older population. One idea has been to introduce locality based teams that will take care of people in a certain area. The concept of telehealth also needs to be implemented so that people are always connected to medical help.
3. Effective support in times of crisis: When the health or independence of an older person rapidly deteriorates, they should be given immediate access to urgent care. There must also be good alternatives to hospitals. For this to happen, all branches of social care must co-ordinate in a timely manner. Use of at-home services should be encouraged among senior citizens.
4. Health care should become more person centric:
Health services must provide specialists who will have access to ward moves and can provide compassionate patient-oriented care. This can be helped in a long way by introducing the use of comprehensive geriatric assessments. It is especially necessary for patients with dementia and mental problems. The concept of dignity must also be stressed upon.
5. Improvement in Post discharge support:
Discharge planning needs to improved and should be implemented at first contact with the hospital. The entire system should be standardised and embedded thoroughly into the system to prevent any confusion. Both the NHS and social care needs to work together in an effective manner to ensure that patients have ample post discharge support even after they leave the hospital.
6. Support choice at end of life:
People who are nearing the end of their lives should be able to receive timely help whenever they require. There should also be ample resources at their disposal to discuss and plan their final days. Over medicalization should also be prevented at this stage. After all, it is then end of the normal cycle of life. This period should be treated with dignity and reverence.
1. Age well and Stay Well
It is important that older people should be able to age well in a happy home. The longer lives should be lived out in a purposeful way that makes the elderly feel connected to society. As of now, there are major inequalities in the lives of those over the age of 65. Many are neglectful of their health and this is a trend that needs to be changed quickly. After all, good health is vital for a happy life.
2. Shift to prevention and pro-active care:
Older people who have long-term stable conditions should be allowed to live peacefully without sudden intrusions into their daily routine. Generally hospitals do not give ample attention to the older population. One idea has been to introduce locality based teams that will take care of people in a certain area. The concept of telehealth also needs to be implemented so that people are always connected to medical help.
3. Effective support in times of crisis: When the health or independence of an older person rapidly deteriorates, they should be given immediate access to urgent care. There must also be good alternatives to hospitals. For this to happen, all branches of social care must co-ordinate in a timely manner. Use of at-home services should be encouraged among senior citizens.
4. Health care should become more person centric:
Health services must provide specialists who will have access to ward moves and can provide compassionate patient-oriented care. This can be helped in a long way by introducing the use of comprehensive geriatric assessments. It is especially necessary for patients with dementia and mental problems. The concept of dignity must also be stressed upon.
5. Improvement in Post discharge support:
Discharge planning needs to improved and should be implemented at first contact with the hospital. The entire system should be standardised and embedded thoroughly into the system to prevent any confusion. Both the NHS and social care needs to work together in an effective manner to ensure that patients have ample post discharge support even after they leave the hospital.
6. Support choice at end of life:
People who are nearing the end of their lives should be able to receive timely help whenever they require. There should also be ample resources at their disposal to discuss and plan their final days. Over medicalization should also be prevented at this stage. After all, it is then end of the normal cycle of life. This period should be treated with dignity and reverence.
