Older People's Services
DH warns over severe weather
The Department of Health has warned people to keep an eye on local weather reports as forecasters warn that scattered snow showers and freezing temperatures are on their way to the UK.
Warning as social care funding falls £0.5bn
Spending on older people’s social care in England has fallen by half a billion pounds, according to a new report.
One in five deaths now 'in own home'
More than a fifth of people now die in their own homes, while the overall trend for deaths at home is rising, research suggests.
RCN chief: NHS facing 'toughest year'
The Royal College of Nursing’s chief executive and general secretary has warned the NHS faces its “toughest year”, with specialist nurses losing their jobs and vulnerable patients “in the firing line”.
'Failing' social care system putting older people at risk
England’s “failing” social care system is leaving 800,000 elderly people “lonely, isolated and at risk”, say experts who have today urged the government and the Labour party to begin social care reform.
NHS and councils to share elderly care role in Scotland
The NHS and local authorities in Scotland will share responsibility for elderly care to end the practice of budgets being shunted between departments, it has been confirmed.
Prince Charles praises trusts for hospital food improvement
The food hospital patients are given “should help rather than hinder recovery”, the Prince of Wales said yesterday at a reception to celebrate trusts that have improved the quality of their catering.
Specialist care housing model costs NHS less
Specialist housing integrated with care provision puts less strain on the NHS than residential care homes, according to an independent evaluation for the Department of Health.
Care homes review website planned
Care homes for older people are to be reviewed and rated by members of the public on a new website, under plans being developed by the government.
Southern Cross care homes transfer ends
The care homes formerly run by Southern Cross have all been transferred to new operators, the government has announced.
Police charge 10 in Winterbourne case
Police have charged 10 people in connection with the abuse of residents with learning disabilities at the Winterbourne View care home near Bristol.
Ministers focus on older people's care ahead of Operating Framework launch
Ministers are stressing the importance of supporting care for older people as they prepare to release the NHS Operating Framework today.
Home care services to have CQC inspections
Home care services are to be subject to inspection under a programme announced by the Care Quality Commission.
Care home company administrations double
The number of UK care home firms which have recently gone into administration has doubled, according to the latest analysis.
Call to introduce national hydration strategy
The government should introduce a nationwide policy to ensure elderly patients in hospitals do not get dehydrated, a former head of Age Concern has said.
Patients Association attacks care of older people
Tough action is needed against hospitals that neglect patients, the Patients Association has said.
Scottish NHS performance praised
The NHS in Scotland has significantly improved the quality and safety of its healthcare over the past year, according to a report.
Two in five adult abuse cases 'at home'
Almost half of alleged abuse towards vulnerable adults takes place in their own homes, according to new research.
New care home operator takes over 240 Southern Cross sites
Southern Cross’s largest landlord NHP and turnaround experts Court Cavendish have formed a new company that becomes the UK’s third largest care home operator.
Lansley announces £30m fund for cold housing
The government will provide an extra £30m to help keep homes warm during winter, the health secretary announced today.
More on Older People's Services
Reaping joint benefits of streamlined hip and knee care pathways
One consortium’s approach to overhauling hip and knee care has brought efficiency and financial rewards while sparing patients from repeated trips to hospital. Debra de Silva and Sima Haririan explain.
How a new heart valve treatment can improve heart disease mortality rates
A new treatment available to combat valvular heart disease could be an opportunity to improve the care provided to those who would previously have been too ill for open heart surgery - and cut mortality rates in patients with the disease. Dr Mark De Belder explains.
How to meet QIPP challenges in end of life care services
A review of palliative care services at one PCT led to the creation of a commissioning strategy that met both the DH’s end of life brief and the QIPP challenges. Andrea Ching explains what NHS Berkshire West did.
How specialist housing can improve the lives of older patients while cutting care costs
Specialist housing is an investment that could save the NHS millions a year and make lives happier, says Jeremy Porteus
Why behaviour change marketing can still deliver long-term cost savings
The spending freeze on public sector communications amd marketing spending, in place since 2010, has seen fewer public awareness campaigns receive government funding. But this could be counter-productive, argues Mark Blayney Stuart, when evidence suggests there are clear financial benefits to be had.
How to improve care standards for dementia patients
Plenty of information and well designed bays help patients with dementia cope. Alistair Burns explains how.
