Older people
Older people are the main users of health and social care services but they are not a uniform group and have a wide range of needs
The National Service Framework for Older People (2001) identifies three stages of ageing:
- entering old age People who have completed their career in paid employment and/or child rearing
- transitional phase In transition between healthy, active life and frailty
- frail older people People who are vulnerable as a result of health problems such as stroke or dementia, social care needs or a combination of both
Occupational therapists play a vital role in promoting active ageing
Occupational therapists provide strategies and equipment to retain independence and support people to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. In the United Kingdom:
- nearly half of all people with a disability are aged 65 or over
- falls are a major cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in older people aged over 75 in the UK
- two thirds of general and acute hospital beds are used by older people1
- there are 700,000 people in the UK with dementia. Only about one-third of people with dementia receive a formal diagnosis or have contact with specialist services2
- black and minority ethnic older people are more likely to face a greater level of poverty than 'white' older people and experience the impact of ageing at a comparatively younger age3
- groups that are particularly at risk of being isolated, vulnerable and disadvantaged include older people who: live in residential care; are carers; have restricted physical abilities; live in rural areas; have learning difficulties; or are lesbian, gay and transgender4
References
- Source: DoH (2001) National Service Framework for Older People. Accessed 24.08.10
- Source: Department of Health (2009) Living Well With Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy - Implementation Plan. Accessed 24.08.10
- Source: Butt J, O’Neil A (2004) 'Let's move on' Black and minority ethnic older people’s views on research findings. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Accessed 24.08.10
- NICE Public Health Guidance 16 (2008). Occupational therapy interventions and physical activity interventions to promote the mental wellbeing of older people in primary care
Occupational therapists can save money for commissioners of older people's services
Occupational therapists provide cost effective solutions for older people's care and can support older people with reablement, preventing falls, remaining safe and independent at home and public health. Occupational therapists’ training includes understanding the medical, physical and psychological impact of disability or injury, as well as rehabilitative techniques in restoring and aiding recovery. Occupational therapists are therefore pivotal in ensuring reablement services are efficient, effective, and reduce dependency (College of Occupational Therapists 2010).
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