Forum Brief: Quality of life

A joint Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Social Services discussion paper has concluded that meeting the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing population requires leadership and modernisation that extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Forum Response: Local Government Association

Councillor Alison King, chair of the LGA's Social Affairs and Health Executive said: "The LGA together with the ADSS is committed to involving older people in the development of services and believe that older people should be empowered to be full partners in ensuring that there is a greater range of flexible services which give them a greater choice in care together with confidence in public services.

"I sincerely hope that this discussion paper promotes wide debate that will help progress the national debate about the future of social services for older people."

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern England, told ePolitix.com: "This welcome paper is important recognition that much more must be done to deliver social care to older people and improve their lives now and in the future.

"Local authorities have an essential role to play in developing and changing services to meet the needs of an ageing population. Older people must be engaged in the development and delivery of these services.

"Far greater investment in support for older people, including more creative solutions to providing care have to be found urgently. Age Concern is particularly encouraged by social services commitment to stamping out ageism and involving older people in decision making."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Kathryn Willmington, policy officer for health and social care at Help the Aged, told ePolitix.com: "This is a refreshingly honest appraisal that recognises the changing needs of today's and tomorrow' older people.

"These long overdue proposals address many of the key issues older people themselves have been lobbying for. It will provide a genuine voice, prioritising the need for a preventative approach to care.

"For these aspirations to be translated into reality, they will need the full support of health partners, the independent and voluntary sector, older people and most importantly central government.

"The government needs to provide an enabling policy framework, as well as appropriately targeted finances in order to make this work."