Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development C – Effects of Ageing

C1 – The Societal changes of ageing Health and social care provision for the aged Economic effects of an ageing population

Health and social care provision for the aged Older people place more demand on health and social care provision than any other group in society. Why do you think this is?

Health and social care provision for the aged Primary health care is the day-to-day healthcare available in every local area and the first place people go when they need health advice or treatment. It’s the first stop for symptoms that are new or for concerns about physical or mental health.  - GPs (general practitioners) – the family or local doctor - chemists (pharmacies) - community and practice nurses - community midwives and health visitors - family planning or sexual health clinics - out of hours GP services - dentists - opticians - hearing care providers

Health and social care provision for the aged Secondary health care Health care services, at such centres are provided by medical specialists. They may not have first contact with patients. Patients may access these services through physician referral or self referral. - cardiologists, - urologists, - dermatologists and other such specialists. - psychiatrists, - physiotherapists, - respiratory therapists, - speech therapist

Health and social care provision for the aged Social care These services exist to help support people in need of practical help and/or personal care due to disability or illness. - carer - support worker to help around the home - meals on wheels - community equipment - personal alarms (in case you fall) - sheltered housing / care homes

Health and social care provision for the aged Community equipment One important aim of health and social care services is to enable people to stay in their own home and keep their independence. Community equipment services provide support aids for daily living - walking frames - kettle tippers - beds - hoists - ramps - stairlifts, bathlifts) - handrails - walking aids, wheelchairs, mobility scooters

Health and social care provision for the aged Financial support and entitlements For each of the following – find out what they are, how much older people can gain in benefits from them, and how they have to apply. - Occupational pension - State pension - Pension credit - Housing benefit - Council tax reduction - Free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and care - Concessionary travel fares - winter fuel payments - cold weather payments - free Television licences - discounts for activities e.g. leisure centres

Economic effects of an ageing population The Office for National Statistics predicts that the population of the UK will rise from 64.6million in 2014 to 74.3 million by 2039. The average life expectancy in 2012 was 79.2 years for men and 83.3 years for women In 2012 people over 65 made up 16% of the population (however there was a very wide regional variation – Tower Hamlets in London – 6%, Dorset – 25%) About 30% of people aged over 85 will potentially require support from health and social care services. 2012/13 – people over 85 were more likely to access mental health services. They were twice as likely to be admitted to hospital as an emergency

Economic effects of an ageing population However, government funding for this has been reduced, which could lead to less support for older people living in their own homes, which could lead to an increase in those needing residential care. Due to the growing costs of health and social care services for the elderly (due to the growing ageing population) and the cuts in government funding, many older people are asked to pay for at least part of the costs of equipment / resources According to Age UK, about 2 million older people with identified care needs cannot afford to access social care, health and support