Welfare Reform on the Web (January 2005): Care of the Elderly - UK

ELIXIR OF LIFE

M. Bernard

Community Care, Dec.16th 2004-Jan.5th 2005, p.36-37

Presents results of a three-year participatory action research study of life in the Berryhill Retirement Village in Stoke-on-Trent.

OLDER PEOPLE DRINK TOO

D. Galpin

Community Care, Dec.9th-15th 2004, p.40-41

It is not uncommon for alcohol problems to be at the root of difficulties faced by older people. However the National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England launched in 2004 focuses on young people under 25 and chronic drinkers of working age. Article calls for a recognition of the needs of older alcohol abusers and specialist training for professionals in recognising drink problems in older people.

QUESTIONS RAISED FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES WHEN OLD PEOPLE ARE EVICTED FROM THEIR CARE HOMES

P. Scourfield

British Journal of Social work, vol.34, 2004, p.501-516

Most residential care for older people is now provided by the private and voluntary sectors. In a free market, it is inevitable that homes will close and change ownership, causing disruption to the lives of their elderly residents. At the same time, social work with older people in local authority social services departments is being replaced by "care management". This situation means that large numbers of vulnerable elderly people are facing the trauma of relocation with no adequate social work response.