15.03.13
Integrated services key to ageing challenge – NHF
Greater cooperation between housing associations, councils and health services will be essential to meet the challenge of an ageing population, the National Housing Federation (NHF) has stated.
The House of Lords committee on public service and demographic change has warned that the Government is “not ready” for a steep increase in the number of people aged over 65, and the issues this will present to the public sector.
The committee’s report called for cross-party commissions into how best to fund a social care system that can meet the population’s needs, and into the public’s long-term financial stability.
NHF director Gill Payne said: “This report is a wake-up call and if things don’t change our communities will struggle to cope with an ageing population. Good homes that can be adapted or have care services fitted into them are a big part of the solution, as the homes many people live in aren’t equipped to care for them as they get older.
“Getting housing associations, councils and health services to work together is the key. This will dramatically improve older people’s lives by helping them live independently. And it also saves money by reducing the need for more acute care.
“Many housing associations are already working together with their local health and social care partners to meet the needs of their communities. But we need more leadership like this across health and social care to make these integrated services more common. Otherwise, we face serious consequences for failing to address our changing society.”
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