Charities urge 'unprepared' councils to meet needs of ageing population » Health » 24dash.com

Leading charities for the elderly have responded to a watchdog report warning that most local councils are not prepared for the impact of a fast-ageing population.

The Audit Commission found more than a quarter of town halls (27%) had no strategy for looking after elderly residents beyond providing social care.

And almost half were still only in the early stages of developing strategies - with some of the worst culprits among those with the biggest population of over-50s.

That age group will make up around 40% of the population in 20 years' time, yet little is being done to help the "invisible majority" that don't need care, the report concluded.

"Mystery shoppers" sent by the Commission to inquire about services such as volunteering, leisure and social activities, learning opportunities and transport, delivered a poor verdict.

They were frequently referred to social services despite having no need for care, were directed to websites with no enquiry being made as to whether or not they had access and were not given relevant information.

The Government's Opportunity Age strategy had had "little impact" on councils, the report found.

Help the Aged regional policy manager Belinda Wadsworth said: "It's a real worry that in an increasingly ageing society, many local councils are struggling when it comes to catering for the needs of older people in their area.

"Although the findings of this report are incredibly disappointing, unfortunately they are not particularly surprising - older people often tell Help the Aged that they routinely feel ignored and let down by their local council.

"Councils have a stereotypical and somewhat narrow 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.

"When older people are asked for their views, it seems they're often not listened to, with many older people's forums developing consultation fatigue."

She said the "Opportunity Age" strategy was fast becoming a "one step forward, two steps back" scheme: "If it really is to create opportunities for older people, it must become more than a half-hearted, tick-box measure.

"Local authorities need to take a lead - by getting older people involved in decision-making, changing the culture of their full range of services to be more accessible to an ageing population and leading the way in positively dispelling myths and stereotypes about older people."

Age Concern said the report's findings were "shocking". Director general Gordon Lishman said: "It is hugely worrying that funding for services to keep older people active and socially engaged has been cut in many areas.

"Social exclusion among older people is a significant and pressing problem that will not disappear without urgent action by local and national government.

"A cross-departmental government commitment is urgently needed to help the most disadvantaged older people. Local authorities must also work much harder to age-proof local services and community programmes, and ensure their services are joined-up, user-friendly, rooted in the community and flexible enough to reach out to vulnerable older people.

"Of course the provision of acute social care services is absolutely vital but local authorities must not use that as an excuse to ignore the vast majority of older people who are in need of preventative support and services."

Commission chairman Michael O'Higgins said: "By 2029 nearly 40% of England's population will be over 50. These are active people, anxious to stay independent as long as possible.

"Despite the stereotypes, only 3% of people aged between 65 and 80 live in residential care. But it's worrying that the councils in areas with the most over 50s are the least prepared to cope with their long-term needs and interests.

"Ex-punk rockers and Rolling Stones fans are not going to be happy with a cup of tea and daytime TV. As people live longer, those who can help them stay well and independent, need to be a little more imaginative.

"There will be different opportunities in different areas, but there has already been innovative action from some forward-thinking councils.
Penwith, Dudley and Blackpool have produced a variety of solutions such as special home safety checks, a falls prevention programme and even a radio station set up and run by older people.

"All are in place as 'age-proofing' measures to prevent social isolation and support independent living without incurring great expense."

David Rogers, chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said: "Town halls have long been warning that the massive pressure of an ageing population will leave the nation woefully unprepared for giving elderly people care they expect and deserve as well as ensuring that they are able to access vital local services.

"Many councils have already agreed with the Government that addressing the needs of an ageing population is among their highest priorities.

"The report makes clear that there are real challenges for councils to give older people clear and comprehensive advice and information, but for those that do need care, the complex system needs to be simplified to make sure that people don't miss out simply because they end up confused and bewildered by the process.

"The myriad of benefits, form-filling and means-testing can seem like a bureaucratic merry-go-round and leave many feeling that they are fighting the system."