Assessment of Older People's Health and Social Care Needs and ...

A Perspective from the North EasternHealth BoardAntoinette Doocey, Director of Governance, Planning and Evaluation-Services for Older People, North Eastern Health Board 14This presentation outlines the approach undertaken by the North Eastern Health Board in addressingthe needs of older people in our region. We have developed a five-year strategy for the delivery ofhealth and social services to older people - 'Healthy Ageing- A Secure Future'. This strategy providesthe framework for the development of a wide range of services for older people and also an approachto the development of appropriate instruments for the assessment of older people's needs andpreferences.Framework for an Approach to AssessmentOur approach to assessment is underpinned by the vision and underlying values outlined in ourstrategy for older people. The NEHB's stated vision is: 'to promote and support the health and socialwell-being of each older person living in the North East'. Our values express a commitment topromoting the independence, empowerment and dignity of older people and of their right toparticipate in decision-making regarding available care options. The specific aims of the strategy are:• to support older people in achieving and maximising health and social gain• to support the choice of older people living in their own communities• to ensure easy access to appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment for acute careinterventions and timely discharge to the most appropriate setting• to provide appropriate access to high quality continuing care for older people who are unable tobe maintained in independence and dignity in their own homes.The vision, values and aims of our strategy have emerged from an extensive consultative processwith all of the stakeholders, including service users and carers residing in our region.14. Now on secondment to the Primary Care Task Force, Department of Health and Children.Conference Proceedings