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St. Helena - Crisis in elderly care
Real estate news By SARTMA.com
Oct 3, 2007
Saint Helena, like many communities around the world, is experiencing an ageing population. Not only are there more older people on the island but people are living longer. While most older people do not require care it is a fact that as people become older they are more likely to need the medical, nursing and care services. In order for the island to provide safe and a good standard of care there must be a partnership between the Public Health and Social Services Department and the community. This partnership will ensure that no one gets left out and the vulnerable are protected.
The projection that was made over twenty years ago regarding an ageing population is now becoming a reality on a scale that is larger than expected and the number of elderly needing care is putting enormous strain on our already stretched health and social care services. The problem is exacerbated by the exodus of younger people from the island so that the PHSSD is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. It is accepted and appreciated that similar problems in this respect are being experienced in other departments.
In order that the elderly care service can best meet the needs of older people any person requiring care is assessed, using a standardised and comprehensive assessment that looks at their physical, psychological, social, housing and financial needs. This will determine the level of care that is required. However, if the results of that assessment dictates that residential care is needed it does not mean that a care place can be automatically made immediately available, and the person may have to remain at home with support. There are times when an elderly person is admitted to hospital and it becomes, for various reasons, very difficult for them to return home. This makes it extremely problematic to provide medical care for the sick and those needing treatment because there is a shortage of beds.
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