A Five Year Strategy for the Delivery of Services to Older People

In recent years there have been a number of influences on planning and development of
health and social services for older people. People are now living longer, disease
patterns are changing and there have been significant developments in diagnostic and
treatment facilities. There is also an increased need for and expectation of services.
The Years Ahead...A Policy for the Elderly 1988, emphasised the need to maintain older
people in dignity and independence in their own homes for as long as possible. In
addition the wishes of older people themselves should be taken into account when
planning and developing services. The Department of Health and Children adopted the
recommendations of this report. The 1998 review of the report by the National Council
on Ageing and Older People found the main thrust of the report continues to be relevant.
Shaping a Healthier Future - A Strategy for Effective Healthcare 1994, identified the
need to enhance the health and quality of life for older people and proposed the
underpinning principles of equity, quality and accountability in all health services
delivery.

Healthy Ageing - A Secure Future - Elderly1.pdf