Parliament introduced the "Care in the Community" Act in 1993
The government was concerned that as the number of elderly people grew they would be unable to meet the demand for residential care
The government believed that it was better for elderly people to stay in their homes instead of being placed in residential care. This is also more cost effective
Social work department would assess the needs of the elderly person and draw up a care plan detailing the support needed to allow the elderly person to remain in their own home
Support services include: health visitors, district nurses, home helps, meals-on-wheels, day care centres, lunch clubs, occupational therapists
Any combination of these can be used to help an elderly person to remain in their own home.
It is anticipated that with all these levels of support the majority of elderly people will be able to live in their own home.
Therefore residential care will be seen as a last option.
Criticisms
Cheap option - there is evidence that the government is trying to provide care for the elderly on the cheap
Many services not properly funded - this means some elderly people miss out
Cooperation between Social Work Department and others was sometimes poor - this resulted in care plans not being fulfilled
Quality of community care is excellent in some parts of the country but poor in others
Some elderly people would be better cared for in residential care however this is sometimes not offered because of the cost
7. Why are some elderly people better off than others?
A persons occupation can have major social and economic effects on that persons retirement
Those who spent their lives working in poorly paid jobs are unlikely to have saved or invested money
Many elderly people rely on their state pension. This their only source of income. It is enough to meet basic needs but not enough to spend money on luxuries
A growing number of elderly people have planned for their retirement by paying into a Private Pension Scheme or Occupational Pension Scheme which is linked to their job and pays out a percentage of their salary after they stop work. This additional source of income allows elderly people to live comfortably
WOOPIES (well off older people) are a growing target for commercial companies and advertising campaigns
8. What do Elderly people receive?
National Government
State retirement pension - for all men over 65 and women over 60 - This is paid weekly. Current rates are �75.50 for a single person and �120.70 for a married couple
Income support - for elderly people who can prove they are too poor to meet their basic needs - currently �98.10 for a single person and �149.80 for a married couple.
Cold weather payments - a payment to those on income support for each week the temperature falls below 0 degrees centigrade - Currently �8.50 per week
Attendance Allowance - weekly benefit to help pay for the cost of care when an elderly person needs help with every day living
Winter fuel payment - an annual payment to every elderly household to help with extra heating cost during winter months - Currently �200 per year
The Scottish Parliament have promised to pay for central heating to be installed in every elderly household within 5 years and now pay "Personal Care for the Elderly"(dressing, bathing etc.)
Local Government
Social Work Department provide meals on wheels, residential homes and sheltered housing
The Housing Department can adapt housing, provide housing benefit, provide gardeners in council houses and sheltered housing
Community Services provided include free or reduced bus fares, community centres and mobile libraries
Private Companies
These include SAGA, private pension companies, insurance companies and privately run residential homes
Voluntary Organisations
Includes pressure groups such as Age Concern, Help the Aged and Elderly Forums as well as groups and organisations such as Scottish Old Age Pensioner Association and church groups. These provide services such as lunch clubs which provide company and a cheap hot meal and day centres providing bus trips, bingo, learn to cook and a dinner.
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