Older People With Moderate Needs Waiting Longer For Care

Older people with what are termed ‘moderate needs’ – such as those who could be at risk of a fall or of becoming malnourished – are waiting too long to receive the care and support they need.

The Independent highlighted the findings of a report by the Commons Public Account Committee (PAC), which stated that those who have the greatest need are being prioritised when it comes to arranging care packages, leaving those in moderate need to wait too long for their care.

The news provider noted that, should these people then be admitted to hospital because of a preventable fall or other health complication, this is likely to cost more money than providing the care they needed initially to remain in their own homes.

Age UK has stated that 1.2 million older people in the country currently have unmet care needs, giving an indication of the scale of the problem.

Part of this may be assessing the home environment and helping people to make changes, such as installing easy access showers to make their home safer and enable them to continue to carry out certain tasks for themselves.

Earlier this year, Age UK stressed the importance of helping more older people get active and remain mobile.

The charity noted that dancing is particularly good exercise, because it not only helps keep people healthy and active, but also reduces their risk of suffering from a fall at home. According to its figures, one in ten people over the age of 65 are regularly dancing in the UK.

The organisation also noted that dance classes are more popular and engaging than traditional fall prevention programmes, as well as being a great way to improve the mental wellbeing of those who participate.