OLDER people with mental health problems could be better off at home rather than in residential care, according to new research.
A report by Hertfordshire County Council sets out a number of options for the future provision of mental health care, meaning that more people could be cared for at home instead of being placed in residential care.
The report also emphasises working more effectively with other agencies, including the private and voluntary sectors and the NHS.
The recommendations include earmarking more money to support carers, pilot new technology and equipment, setting up a specialised home support service and reviewing existing day care services.
Adult care services executive member Jane Pitman said: "The whole aim of the exercise has been to find ways of improving standards of services for older people with mental health problems, and doing it more cost effectively at the same time.
"At the moment residential care is often seen as the first option, but our research shows that this is not always appropriate. There are many different ways of supporting people so they can live more independent and higher quality lives at home.
"Of course it's about managing funds as well, but this is not some cynical ploy to save money. We're actually looking for ways to make scarce resources go further and allow us to extend similar services to many more vulnerable people than we can help under current arrangements."
June 28, 2002 11:30
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