| Visit CPA's 2010 Election web page for access to briefings, policy papers and manifestos from the three main political parties and key organisations on issues affecting older people focusing on health and social care, pensions and retirement, poverty and discrimination, housing and life in the community. Click here |
Age Equality in Health and Social Care: A Report on the Consultation
Department of Health
9 March 2010 |
This is a report on the consultation that the DH conducted from November 2009 to February 2010 on age equality in health and social care. It summarises responses to questions and details the position of the DH on each issue and further actions. Annex A of the report provides a summary of the DH position in relation to specific issues, including timing of the ban on age discrimination, exceptions, QALYs, upper limit for the breast screening programme, age specific datasets, and more. Read the full report, summary document and original consultation questions here. |
Law Commission, Adult Social Care: Consultation
24 February - 1 July 2010 |
The Law Commission, which advises the Government on law reform, has proposed to replace existing laws and policy guidance for adult social care with a single, modern statute in England and Wales. The legislative framework for adult residential care, community care, adult protection and support for carers is inadequate, often incomprehensible and outdated. Provisional proposals include:
• establishing a core set of overarching principles to guide social care decisions;
• introducing a single and explicit duty to assess individuals’ needs;
• a duty on local authorities to provide community services for all those eligible;
• the introduction of a single duty to assess the needs of any carer;
• a statutory duty on local authorities to investigate when they suspect that
vulnerable adults are being abused or neglected.
Read the consultation paper and related information here. |
Under Pressure: Tackling the Financial Challenge for Councils of an Ageing Population
Audit Commission
18 February 2010 |
The Audit Commission report on local government examines the issues facing councils with an ageing population requiring a range of services as public spending reduces. It suggests that councils are not planning strategically for an ageing population and do not know enough about the costs. In addition, cost savings that could arise from preventive services and better work with other organisations are not being explored fully by councils.
Read the summary report, full report and associated documents here. |
Fair Society, Healthy Lives
The Marmot Review
11 February 2010 |
The aim of the Review was to propose an evidence based strategy for reducing health inequalities from 2010. The strategy includes policies and interventions that address the social determinants of health inequalities.The starting point for the Review is that health inequalities that are preventable by reasonable means are unfair, and putting them right is a matter of social justice. Key messages from the Review include: there is a social gradient of health - the lower a person's social position, the worse his or her health. Action should focus on reducing the gradient in health. Health inequalities result from social inequalities. Action on health inequalities requires action across all the social determinants of health. Universal action is required but with a scale and intensity that is proportionate to the level of disadvantage - called 'proportionate universalism'. The fair distribution of health, wellbeing and sustainability are important social goals. Read the Executive Summary here. Access the full report and supporting documents here. |
The State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England: Key themes and quality of services 2009
Care Quality Commission
10 February 2010 |
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its first report annual report to Parliament on the state of health care and adult social care in England. The future presents a major challenge with increasing demand for care at a time when public finances will be stretched. The CQC calls for faster progress in joining up health and social care with better care in the community. Also a fundamental cultural shift is required to enable people to have more choice and control over their care. This includes providing better information about care options, widening access to care and challenging discrimination and promoting human rights within services. Read the full report here. Access a summary of the report and further information from the CQC here. |
Equality Bill: Making it work. Policy proposals for specific duties
Ending age discrimination in services and public functions
25 and 27 January 2010 |
The Government Equalities Office published two policy statements relating to work around proposed implementation of the Equality Bill.
'Policy proposals for specific duties' provides the response to the consultation on proposals for the specific equality duties and 'Ending age discrimination in services and public functions' summarises the consultation responses and sets out plans for specific exceptions from the age discrimination ban. |
National Evaluation of Partnerships for Older People Projects: Final Report
18 January 2010 |
The Partnership for Older People Projects (POPP) were funded by the Department of Health to develop services for older people, aimed at promoting their health, well-being and independence and preventing or delaying their need for higher intensity or institutional care. The evaluation found that a wide range of projects resulted in improved quality of life for participants and considerable savings, as well as better local working relationships. Read the executive summary here or access the full report via the DH website here. |
Four reviews from the literature on ageism and age discrimination in secondary health care, primary and community health care, mental health care and social care in the United Kingdom
Centre for Policy on Ageing
21 December 2009 |
The Centre for Policy on Ageing published on 21 December 2009 four reviews from the literature to provide evidence of ageism and age discrimination in primary and community health care, secondary health care, mental health care and social care in the UK. Access the four reviews via the CPA website here.
The four reviews were commissioned by the Department of Health to support the national review of age discrimination and age equality in the health and social care sector and help health and social care organisations meet the new public sector equality duty in the Equality Bill.
This recent work complements earlier work consisting of two literature reviews and two research studies on the costs and benefits of eliminating age discrimination in the provision of health and social care commissioned by the Department of Health and released on 26 June 2008 to coincide with the launch of the first draft of the Equality Bill in the House of Commons.
The review of the likely costs and benefits of legislation to outlaw age discrimination in health and social care was carried out by the Centre for Policy on Ageing. View the CPA report | Link to all four reports on DH website
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The Personal Care at Home Bill
25 November 2009 |
The Personal Care at Home Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech on 18 November, was introduced to Parliament on 25 November 2009. The purpose of the Bill is to offer free personal care at home for those with the highest needs, regardless of means, such as those with serious dementia and with Parkinson's Disease. It also includes provision to invest in re-ablement and prevention to help people live at home for longer. The legislation is intended to be the first step toward a new National Care Service.
A consultation document containing proposals for regulations and guidance made under the Personal Care at Home Bill has been published. The consultation period is from 25 November 2009 until 23 February 2010. |
Achieving Age Equality in Health and Social Care
A Report to the Secretary of State for Health by Sir Ian Carruthers OBE and Jan Ormondroyd
22 October 2009
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The national review of age discrimination and age equality in the health and social care sector was set up to help health and social care organisations meet the ban on age discrimination and the new public sector equality duty in the Equality Bill. The review analysed evidence about the nature, extent and variability of age discrimination in health and social care services. It also considered what reforms are already in train to tackle age discrimination and support greater age equality. The review obtained evidence from a wide variety of sources, including academic research, stakeholder submissions, personal testimony and the conclusions of a number of workshops and engagement events. Read the report of the national review here. An annex of working papers to support 'Achieving Age Equality in Health and Social Care' is available to read here.
The review recommended that the ban on age discrimination in health and social care should be implemented in health and social care at the same time as in other sectors (for which 2012 had been proposed). A consultation on the national review began on 23 November 2009 and will continue until 15 February 2010. Access further information via the DH website
The DH has commissioned a resource pack including audit tools and practice guides, to be available from April 2010, to assist with the elimination of ageist and discriminatory practice at local levels. |
Shaping the Future of Care Together
Green Paper
14 July 2009
The Big Care Debate closes on 13 November 2009 |
The Green Paper sets out the government's vision for a new care and support system based on a National Care Service that is fair, simple and affordable. It outlines six elements that people should be able to expect from the new service: prevention services; national assessment; a joined-up service; information and advice; personalised care and support; and fair funding. Three key changes are required to help meet these six objectives: more joined-up working; a wider range of services in care and support; and better quality and innovation. A key issue is how to fund the new service and here the government proposes three options for consideration: partnership between individuals and the state sharing costs; in addition to the partnership model, an insurance system working with either the private insurance market or a state scheme to cover additional costs; and a comprehensive model whereby everyone over retirement age with resources to do so would be required to pay into a state insurance scheme enabling everyone in later life to have free care when they need it. To read the Green Paper click here. The government has launched a national debate on the reform of adult care and support in England - the Big Care Debate - to access the debate online click here. |
Building a Society for All Ages
13 July 2009
Response to consultation published 2 Feb 2010 |
Building a Society for All Ages builds on the cross-government Opportunity Age strategy to meet the challenges and realise the opportunities of an ageing population. The government's vision is 'a society for all ages, where people are no longer defined by age and everyone is able to play a full part. This will require major cultural change.' The refreshed strategy includes details on how to help individuals plan better for later life; support families across generations; encourage businesses to adapt to a changing workforce and markets; ensure public services encompass all age groups; and make communities accessible to people of all ages. To read the report click here. The government invited views on proposals to continue this work as part of a formal consultation process. The consultation questions and reports supporting the strategy, including the final report Working Together for Older People in Rural Areas, are available via the government website - click here to access.
Read the consultation response report here or access via the government website. The report also provides an update on how the initiatives set out in the Strategy have developed as a result of feedback. |
National Review of Age Discrimination in Health and Social Care
May - October 2009 |
A national review of the actions required to implement the provisions in the Equality Bill currently before Parliament relating to age discrimination in health and adult social care is being led from the South West region by Sir Ian Carruthers, Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority, and Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive of Bristol City Council. A published report in October 2009 will include recommendations on the timing of implementation of the ban and on those areas of age-based differentiation that should be maintained under the new law. A Call for Evidence from interested groups and individuals closed on 3 July click here to access the DH website for details. |
The Equality Bill
27 April 2009 |
The Equality Bill was published on 27 April 2009. Age discrimination was banned in the workplace in 2006 and the Equality Bill will make it unlawful to discriminate against someone aged 18 or over because of age when providing services or carrying out public functions. It will not affect products or services for older people where age-based treatment is justified or beneficial. The law will only stop age discrimination where it has negative or harmful consequences. The new law will be implemented in phases, with legislation in force in financial services and all other services, with the exception of health and social care, in 2012. The government has initiated a review of the practical action that is needed to tackle age discrimination in health and social care, which will report in October 2009. Access the Equality Bill and associated documents here. |
Living Well with Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy
Department of Health
3 February 2009
The NDS Joint Commissioning Framework (added 15 June 2009)
Dementia Gateway
The Use of Antipsychotic Medication for People with Dementia: Time for action
12 November 2009 |
The first National Dementia Strategy sets out initiatives designed to improve the lives of people with dementia, and their carers and families. The Strategy aims to increase awareness of dementia, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and radically improve the quality of care that people with the condition receive. Proposals include the introduction of a dementia specialist into every general hospital and care home and for mental health teams to assess people with dementia, with memory clinics to be established throughout England. To read the National Dementia Strategy click here. The strategy draws on the results of a public consultation.
The NDS Joint Commissioning Framework, a new resource to support implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, provides best practice guidance for commissioning dementia services. The Framework includes: a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment template; a summary of NICE and SCIE evidence for dementia services; commissioning levers against each of the NDS Objectives. To access the Framework click here
A Dementia Gateway was launched on 6 November 2009 by the Social Care Institute for Excellence to provide practical tips, tools and activities to help people in their work with dementia. You can visit the gateway at www.scie.org.uk/dementia.
An independent report commissioned by the DH concludes that inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia is widespread. The author, Dr Sube Banerjee, states 'It is clear from this review that the current level of use of antipsychotics for people with dementia presents a significant issue in terms of quality of care, with negative impacts in patient safety, clinical effectiveness and the patient experience.' Read the report here. |
Empowering Engagement: a stronger voice for older people
The Government response to John Elbourne's review
3 February 2009 |
The Government has broadly supported the recommendations made by John Elbourne in his report examining older people's engagement with government at all levels, published 18 November 2008. It proposes to set up national leadership for older people in a UK Advisory Forum on Ageing to provide advice and support on the implementation and development of the Government's strategy for older people and an ageing society. It will also create a new structure with a designated lead regional coordinator for older people's engagement in each English region to help set up Regional Forums on Ageing where they do not already exist and it will continue to support OPAGs and other forums through Government Offices. The Government will help Better Government for Older People (BGOP) to become an independent entity. To read the Government response and new proposals click here. |
The State of Social Care in England 2007-08
CSCI report
27 January 2009 |
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) issued on 27 January 2009 its fourth and final report on the state of social care in England. The CSCI found that a year on from the publication of 'Putting People First' most people still experience a 'one-size-fits-all' model of care that is not geared towards people's individual needs. While there have been some tentative steps to address the new personalisation agenda, developments in social care are patchy and vary between different groups of people. Concerns remain about people who are 'lost to the system' because they are ineligible for publicly funded support or are 'self funders'. There continues to be tension between resourcing support for those with the highest levels of need and investing in a range of services which can maintain people's independence and improve their quality of life. To read the full report click here. |
Common Assessment Framework (CAF) for Adults
Demonstrator sites and results of consultation (updated 19 June 2009) |
The Department of Health held a consultation (22 January-17 April 2009)on improving the quality and efficiency of care and support for adults through improvements in the sharing and use of information. Topics covered the rationale for improving information, how assessment and care planning should be undertaken (the principles), what information should be commonly shared and with whom and the IT approaches that would enable this to take place within appropriate arrangements for consent, confidentiality and security. To access information on CAF for adults including information on demonstrator sites and results of the consultation click here. |
Preparing for Our Ageing Society: a discussion paper
25 November 2008 |
This discussion paper, and a series of associated public discussion events, are part of the first stage of a review of the government’s strategy for meeting the challenges of our ageing society. The next step will be the publication of a more detailed set of ideas later in 2009. A consultation process to discuss the issues to be addressed in the strategy ran from 25 November 2008 to 20 January 2009 and responses to the discussion paper were published on 9 June 2009. To read the discussion paper and responses click here. |
Cutting the Cake Fairly
CSCI review of eligibility criteria for social care
22 October 2008 |
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) issued on 22 October 2008 a report on eligibility criteria for social care. Tensions have developed between new approaches to personalisation and prevention and implementing the Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) framework, alongside councils' increasing tightening of their eligibility criteria. CSCI makes a series of recommendations to improve access to support consistent with 'Putting People First' and to provide some level of assistance and advice to everyone seeking care and support underpinned by the notion of progressive universalism. Click here to read the full report. |
