Ageism is rife in mental health trusts, according to new research by the Healthcare Commission.
Some mental health care, such as out-of-hours appointments, alcohol and crisis services, are being denied to those over 65.
The report found an unjustified 'reluctance' to accept referrals for over 65s or for those with dementia.
Despite the fact that over 65s make up a quarter of mental health inpatient admissions, four out of the six mental health trusts in the study made decisions based on age.
Anna Walker, Healthcare Commission Chief Executive, said: 'Trusts are not always providing appropriate mental health services to the over 65s. There needs to be a fundamental shift towards providing care based on a person's clinical need rather than their age.'
Read the full story on our website
Some mental health care, such as out-of-hours appointments, alcohol and crisis services, are being denied to those over 65.
The report found an unjustified 'reluctance' to accept referrals for over 65s or for those with dementia.
Despite the fact that over 65s make up a quarter of mental health inpatient admissions, four out of the six mental health trusts in the study made decisions based on age.
Anna Walker, Healthcare Commission Chief Executive, said: 'Trusts are not always providing appropriate mental health services to the over 65s. There needs to be a fundamental shift towards providing care based on a person's clinical need rather than their age.'
Read the full story on our website
Older woman in Africa
The UN seems to think that older people don’t have sex and couldn’t possibly be affected by HIV and AIDS.
If anyone over the age of 49 became infected with the disease, the UN wouldn’t even bother to measure it.
By excluding senior citizens in this way, the UN is implying that older people around the world don't matter.
But many in the Third World care for the victims and the children of victims of the disease.
We’re telling the Government & the UN this month that older people must be counted, so that they can then be included in policies to combat the disease.
Please sign our petition today – it’s your last chance!
If anyone over the age of 49 became infected with the disease, the UN wouldn’t even bother to measure it.
By excluding senior citizens in this way, the UN is implying that older people around the world don't matter.
But many in the Third World care for the victims and the children of victims of the disease.
We’re telling the Government & the UN this month that older people must be counted, so that they can then be included in policies to combat the disease.
Please sign our petition today – it’s your last chance!
Help the Aged has launched the 'Well' range of ethically sourced, Fairtrade goods and natural products.
Available online and in 90 Help the Aged shops nationwide, Well aims to be one of the most widely available selections of ethical goods in the UK.
In a nutshell, Well is about:
Available online and in 90 Help the Aged shops nationwide, Well aims to be one of the most widely available selections of ethical goods in the UK.
In a nutshell, Well is about:
- Community, connecting with others and the environment: products are bought directly from ethical producers;
- Reasonable pricing without compromising on quality;
- ‘Better living, Better life’ and assisting people to approach later life with energy and confidence while creating a positive legacy for future generations.
Nell McAndrew
Nell McAndrew, Help the Aged Ambassador says:
“I love the feeling that you get from knowing that something you are buying is helping to make a difference to people all over the world.
"We all want a healthier, happier lifestyle and whether it is through the food that we eat or the clothes that we wear, Well is a good place to start.”
“I love the feeling that you get from knowing that something you are buying is helping to make a difference to people all over the world.
"We all want a healthier, happier lifestyle and whether it is through the food that we eat or the clothes that we wear, Well is a good place to start.”
See the complete Well range at Help the Aged's online shop.
Help the Aged's Notes
Older people denied mental health care02 April 2009
Older people have sex too20 March 2009
Help the Aged launches ethical 'Well' range10 March 2009
Buy an Ant & Dec charity single and raise money for Help the Aged05 March 2009
Shake a bucket!11 February 2009
Join us on tour and unlock the Age Cage!19 February 2009
Age Demands Action on HIV/AIDS descrimination24 September 2008
Gordons's Government plans to join the 21st century27 June 2008
Solving the mystery for National Falls Awareness Day24 June 2008
Two years aiming for Just Equal Treatment11 June 2008