Social Care News

Wider public service cuts hit older people's ability to maintain independence, report finds

Cuts to public services outside health and social care have made a dramatic impact on older people’s lives in Wales, a report by the Wales Audit Office has said.

The report found that although councils have identified the independence of older people as a priority, cuts to services outside health and social care – including day centres, libraries and other community services – are having a detrimental effect on older people.

The study was supported by a Wales-wide citizen survey which asked people to rate which services were most important in helping them maintain independence.

Older people 'don't just need health and social care services'

Auditor General for Wales Huw Vaughan Thomas said: “It is important that the perception that older people are primarily recipients of health and social care services is one that is challenged.

“As this report states there is an imbalance in the emphasis we place on prevention and in line with my recommendations I would be keen to see this addressed in order to allow people in Wales to maintain their independence into older age.”

The report has been backed by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira.

It makes six recommendations for improvement – five to councils in Wales and one specifically for the Welsh Government – including improving engagement with older people over service changes and strengthening strategic planning.

Read the full story: WalesOnline: The lives of the elderly in Wales have been hit hard by public service cuts, finds major new report