Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed new measures aimed at providing more personal and compassionate care for older people, following a recent announcement by the Health Secretary.
New figures have revealed that the over 70s account for 35 per cent of all A & E admissions; however hospitalisation for many older people is often not the best course of treatment. Keen to address this issue, proposals for the Vulnerable Older People Plan will be unveiled this autumn seeking to improve care and support for older people in emergencies and tackle the barriers preventing patients getting joined-up care.
Following the announcement, Caroline said:
"I'm delighted that the Government have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the care offered to older people. As things stand, many vulnerable patients end up in hospital when they could be far better looked after in other places.
The Vulnerable Older People Plan has the potential to deliver great improvements in care and I await the outcome of the Government's announcement with great interest."
The Plan follows the announcement of a Care Bill in the Queen's Speech that will see a £72,000 cap introduced on the amount that elderly people in England have to pay for social care to ensure they do not have to sell their homes to afford care in their final years.