Department of Health publishes a study to support the National Service Framework for Older People.

This report summarises the key findings from 16 studies commissioned by the Policy Research Programme under the ‘Older people’s use of services’ (OPUS) research initiative.  The initiative aims to inform and assess the implementation of the National Service Framework for Older People which was introduced in 2001.   Problems highlighted in the report include:

·         Evidence of ageist attitudes and both ageist and cultural discrimination

·         Geographical variations in care

·         Lack of service availability, e.g. mental health care, for older people

·         Separating health and social care needs.

The report was published on 2 October 2008 and can be read in full on the Department of Health website. You can read a useful summary of the report’s objectives and findings on the Community Care website.