Reshaping Care for Older People 2011 - 2021

Policies

Whilst we have been continually reshaping our care services, the publication of a report by the Christie Commission told us we need to do more. The report stated that there would have to be a shift in the way public services are delivered in Scotland, as the current resources will not meet the future demand.

Specifically, the report said we should:

• prioritise preventative spending; this means spending more money to help people live healthier and safer lives. This will mean less spending is required on hospital or specialist care later on.
• empower individuals and communities involving them in service design and delivery. This should result in services that match what people need and want.
• have organisations work closely together to deliver services; and
• improve efficiency: this means organisations working together to improve services.

New and improved legislation, strategies and policies help to support the reshaping of care for older people, ranging from a National Dementia Strategy to Digital Inclusion. We can't name them all here, but some of the key ones are:

• Free Personal and Nursing care
• Self Directed Support
• Integration of Health and Social Care
• National Dementia Strategy
• Carers Strategy
• Models of Residential Care (in progress)
• Older People's Housing Strategy
• National Concessionary Travel Scheme
• Digital Inclusion
• NHS Quality Strategy
• The Delivery Plan for Health Professions in Scotland
• Mental Health Strategy

Source: Places for People Care and Support Scotland: the screening of the comedy drama, The Wayward Wind.

Innovative services are reshaping care and changing lives…

"If the reablement service was not in place, I would have been in hospital for a lot longer as I couldn't manage on my own."

Mrs Patterson; Perth and Kinross, on the reablement package she received after being discharged from hospital after surgery

"I am so happy my father has the home buddy. It has been a godsend to me as I know he has a network of people looking after his health and wellbeing."

Mr Johnstone's daughter on the East Ayrshire Home Buddy Scheme, funded through the Change Fund