Elderly Living Standards

Problems and NEEDS

Old people feel worried, scared, lonely and isolated.

Some are too proud to ask for help.

90% of over 60s require glasses

40% of over 60s have poor hearing and

50% of NHS beds are occupied by over 60s

Most old people are either in care homes or in tower blocks. In these homes the standard of care is rather poor. Most elderly are bored and stay in for days, weeks or even months with nothing to do, some go to groups like BINGO.

Pensions…

Low Pensions and the cost of living rising mean many old people are short of money. Old folks homes are also quite expensive.The age of pensions has risen to 65 and will be higher in the future.

• One of the most important needs of an elderly person is good quality housing

• Housing in usually provided by the authorities• The authorities provide housing for 41% of

pensioners aged 60-75• Housing can also be run by voluntary groups,

private property companies and housing associations

• Some elderly people live in high-rise flats not equipped to their needs.

Sheltered housing

• Sheltered housing is elderly people living in there own homes with their own facilities.

• They can call a warden, and all facilities are linked to the wardens office

• Very sheltered housing provides a higher level of support for the elderly

• There are less very sheltered housing complexes than normal sheltered housing

Nursing homes

• In residential homes they receive more 1 to 1 care but aren’t given a lot of freedom

• A variety of entertainment is usually available in the home

• Hairdressers usually visit once a week

• Help is provided 24hours a day as in nursing homes

• However residential homes can become over crowded and staff aren’t all properly qualified

• Nursing homes are similar to residential homes in many of the facilities they provide

• But nursing homes provide for pensioners with bigger care needs

• They need to provide a 24hour care from trained nursing staff

• It is more expensive to stay in a nursing home than a residential homes

Residential Residential homeshomes

By Sam Fraser, Struan Bennett, Susanne Henry and Katie Fegan