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National Service Framework for older people and system reform
The National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People was published in March 2001 as a ten-year programme and set new national standards and service models of care across health and social services for all older people, whether they live at home, in residential care or are being looked after in hospital. We are now building on the progress achieved since the publication of the NSF through a programme supporting system redesign for older people.
Health and social care needs of an aging population
Demographic trends point to the fact that as a society we are getting older and to meet the needs of this ageing population it is important that health and social care able to work in partnership. This is particularly vital when one considers that many older people have complex needs, requiring both health and social care, and they account for most of the current spend on health and care services.
The key outcomes for older people with complex needs are: improved health and well being, improved experience and care delivered closer to home. The Department is taking forward projects that focus on ensuring that older people are treated with respect for their dignity, and strengthening activity on nutrition and the physical environment, by continuing to improve the patient environment in hospitals and care homes.
Designing services around the needs of older people
In order to deliver improved lives and greater value for money, work to redesign services and systems incorporates five key areas:
- early intervention for old age conditions
- streaming to specialist care in crisis situations
- early transfer to the community for rehabilitation in intermediate care
- multidisciplinary assessment prior to care home placement
- partnership working across health and social care.
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