Involvement from inception is the key to elderly care

Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan, addressing a conference on caring for Scotland's ageing population in Edinburgh yesterday, said that older peoples' contribution to society is massive and often not praised enough but that much more needs to be done to involve them in the decision-making processes around their needs.

He said: "The role of community cannot be underestimated and whilst the care of older people has quite rightly been identified a national priority by the Scottish Government and the integration of health and social care is a major challenge, simple things that allow older people to get out and about and socialize with their peers are also important."

Pointing out that under half of the over 60s with bus passes use them, Mr Sloan suggested that the current inquiry into Community Transport should take note of the input from users and providers alike. 

Delegates also heard a similar call from the Care Inspectorate for greater emphasis to be placed on an approach known as "involvement" in which people who use care homes and other services are properly engaged with.

Chief Executive Annette Bruton said: "Scotland, like many countries, faces a growing population of older people, so more people will need support to live out their older days in dignity."

She added: "In the coming decades, my sense is that we will see many more care-at-home services, which poses new challenges for involving people - and new challenges for delivery partners and regulators to ensure quality - which will be unmet unless involvement is at the heart of the agenda."