MOD007967 Community Public Health and Evaluation Sample

Introduction

Key Public Health Issue

The United Kingdom (UK) is a developed Western European nation with a population of around 66 million people (Office for National Statistics, 2021). The population of the United Kingdom consists of people from many ethnic and cultural origins. In terms of socioeconomic metrics, the United Kingdom is one of the world’s greatest economies, with a high standard of living, significant income disparity, and regional disparities.

This paper will examine positive ageing policies in the United Kingdom, with a specific focus on assessing one policy critically. In 2021, almost 18 percent of the population in the United Kingdom will be 65 or older, a trend that has accelerated in recent years (Age UK, 2020a; Office for National Statistics, 2021). This demographic trend has substantial consequences for the health and social care systems, as older persons are more likely to suffer from chronic health disorders and require long-term care.

The selection of the issue of positive ageing policies in the United Kingdom is based on the projection that the population would continue to age over the next several decades, posing new challenges and opportunities for public health policy (Age UK, 2020b). The goal of this report is to examine the success of the present positive ageing policies in the United Kingdom in addressing the health and social care needs of older persons.

Overview of Current Policies

Several policies and programs have been implemented by the British government to promote good aging and enhance the health and well-being of older persons. These policies strive to address the difficulties experienced by older individuals and assist them in leading healthy, independent lives. The Care Act of 2014 is one of the most significant policies pertaining to positive aging in the United Kingdom. This strategy attempts to overhaul the social care system in the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on enhancing older individuals’ independence and well-being. The Care Act of 2014 includes measures for local authorities to assist older individuals with information and guidance, assess their care requirements, and provide support services (DHSC, 2014a).

Launched in 2009, the National Dementia Strategy is another key policy in the United Kingdom relating to positive aging. This policy aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers by increasing knowledge and understanding of dementia, improving diagnosis and care, and fostering research into the prevention and treatment of the disease.

In addition to these policies, numerous efforts and programs have been introduced in the United Kingdom to encourage good aging. For instance, the 2015-launched Ageing Better program attempts to combat social isolation and loneliness among older persons using community-based interventions and collaborations. In addition, the government of the United Kingdom has established the Centre for Ageing Better, an independent organisation that does research and offers evidence-based advice on positive ageing policies.

For the purposes of this paper, the Care Act of 2014 will serve as a case study for analysing positive ageing policies in the United Kingdom. This policy is of particular relevance because it seeks to address the barriers older persons have in obtaining and receiving care services, and because it has substantial implications for the health and well-being of the UK’s aging population.

In the United Kingdom, there is a rising awareness of the need of fostering positive aging, and a variety of policies and programs have been introduced to address the issues faced by older persons. To ensure that these policies are effective in promoting the health and well-being of older persons and fulfilling the changing requirements of an aging population, they must be continually evaluated and enhanced.

Analysis

The strengths identified in the SWOT analysis reflect the potential benefits of the Care Act 2014 for older adults in the UK. The policy aims to promote independence and well-being among older adults, which is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of healthy ageing (WHO, 2021). This approach recognizes that older adults have the right to participate in their communities and make choices about their lives, and that policies should support these goals.

The provision of information and advice to older adults, as well as the assessment of care needs and the provision of support services, are important components of the policy. These measures can help older adults to access the care and support they need to maintain their independence and quality of life. Research has shown that access to social care services can improve the well-being of older adults, particularly in terms of their physical health and social relationships (Davies et al., 2019; Victor et al., 2018).

The weaknesses identified in the SWOT analysis reflect the challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of the Care Act 2014. The slow implementation of the policy in some areas is a concern, as it may delay the provision of services to older adults. The funding of social care services has been a long-standing issue in the UK, with many older adults facing inadequate or unaffordable care (Age UK, 2020).

The complexity of the policy is also a concern, as it may result in confusion and inconsistency in its implementation across different regions and local authorities (DHSC, 2014b). This can be exacerbated by the lack of clarity around eligibility criteria for social care services, which can vary depending on local authority policies (King et al., 2021).

The opportunities identified in the SWOT analysis reflect the potential for the Care Act 2014 to address the growing health and social care needs of older adults in the UK. The ageing population in the UK is projected to increase in the coming decades, creating new opportunities for the implementation of positive ageing policies (Dury and Horgas, 2018). The policy’s focus on promoting independence and well-being among older adults aligns with the WHO’s Healthy Ageing Framework (WHO, 2021), which emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and supporting healthy ageing across the life course (DHSC, 2018).

There are also opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the implementation of the policy, such as through the use of new technologies and partnerships with community organizations. For example, digital technologies can be used to provide information and support to older adults, and community organizations can be engaged to provide social and emotional support to older adults (Bamford et al., 2018).

The threats identified in the SWOT analysis reflect the potential risks and challenges that may affect the implementation and effectiveness of the Care Act 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of older adults, and has placed additional pressures on the health and social care system in the UK. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for more robust and coordinated approaches to social care services (Hussein et al., 2021).

The impact of Brexit on the UK’s economy and public services may also have implications for the implementation of the Care Act 2014. The potential for demographic inequalities and regional disparities in the implementation and impact of the policy is a concern, as this may exacerbate existing health and social inequalities (King et al., 2021). This underscores the need for a coordinated and equitable approach to the implementation of the policy.

Discussion

Critical Analysis of SWOT

The SWOT analysis of the Positive Ageing policies in the UK provides insights into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the policy. In this section, we will critically analyze the SWOT to provide a deeper understanding of the policy and how it is affecting the ageing population in the UK.

One of the key strengths of the Positive Ageing policy is that it is aimed at improving the well-being of older people. According to Age UK (2020), the policy is focused on promoting a positive and inclusive approach to ageing, which enables older people to enjoy good health and participate in society. This is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health (2021), which emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy ageing and addressing the health needs of older people.

Another strength of the policy is its emphasis on preventative care. Bamford et al. (2018) argue that preventative care is crucial for improving the health and well-being of older people, particularly those with dementia. The Positive Ageing policy recognizes the importance of preventative care and aims to support older people in maintaining their health and well-being through a range of initiatives.

One of the main weaknesses of the Positive Ageing policy is that it may not be reaching all older people in the UK. Victor et al. (2018) argue that loneliness and social isolation are major issues affecting older people in the UK, particularly those who are living alone. The Positive Ageing policy may not be addressing these issues adequately, as it focuses primarily on improving the health and well-being of older people rather than addressing their social needs.

Another weakness of the policy is that it may be underfunded. Hussein et al. (2021) argue that funding is a crucial factor in the success of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older people. If the Positive Ageing policy is not adequately funded, it may not be able to achieve its goals.

One of the opportunities presented by the Positive Ageing policy is the potential for increased social engagement among older people. King et al. (2021) argue that mobile apps can be effective in reducing loneliness among older people. The Positive Ageing policy could potentially incorporate such initiatives to increase social engagement among older people and reduce social isolation.

Another opportunity presented by the Positive Ageing policy is the potential for increased awareness of the needs of older people. Davies et al. (2019) argue that there is a need to improve awareness of the health needs of older people, particularly those with dementia. The Positive Ageing policy could potentially increase awareness of the health needs of older people and provide support to those who need it (Giebel, et al., 2018)

One of the main threats to the Positive Ageing policy is the ageing population itself. The WHO (2021) reports that the proportion of the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to double by 2050. This demographic shift will place increasing pressure on healthcare and social care services, which could potentially undermine the effectiveness of the Positive Ageing policy.

Another threat to the policy is political instability. If the UK government experiences political instability or economic difficulties, funding for the Positive Ageing policy could be reduced or cut altogether. This would undermine the policy’s effectiveness and potentially worsen the health and well-being of older people in the UK.

In conclusion, while the policy is aimed at improving the well-being of older people in the UK, it faces challenges such as underfunding and potential political instability. By critically analyzing the SWOT, we can gain a deeper understanding of the policy and its potential impact on the ageing population in the UK.

Critical Analysis of the Care Act 2014

One of the key strengths of the Care Act 2014 is that it attempts to integrate health and social care services. This is essential for delivering person-centered care that meets the complex needs of older people. However, the Act has been criticized for failing to provide a clear definition of what constitutes health and social care integration (Glasby and Dickinson, 2014). This lack of clarity can create confusion and inconsistency in practice, which can undermine the effectiveness of the policy.

Another strength of the Care Act is that it puts the individual at the center of the care planning process, promoting their autonomy and choice. This is consistent with the principles of person-centered care, which emphasize the importance of tailoring care to the individual’s needs and preferences. However, the Act has been criticized for failing to provide sufficient support to individuals in making informed decisions about their care (Lloyd et al., 2017). This can result in individuals receiving care that does not meet their needs or preferences, which can be detrimental to their health and well-being.

One of the weaknesses of the Care Act is that it relies heavily on local authorities to implement the policy. This can create significant variations in the quality and availability of services across different areas of the country (Burgess and Campbell, 2016). Moreover, the Act has been criticized for underfunding the social care system, which can limit the availability of services and undermine the quality of care (Hussein et al., 2021). This can result in older people receiving inadequate or inappropriate care, which can have negative consequences for their health and well-being.

The Care Act also presents several opportunities for improving the social care system in the UK. For example, the Act provides a legal framework for integrating health and social care services, which can improve the coordination and quality of care. Additionally, the Act provides opportunities for promoting innovation and best practice in the delivery of care, which can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services.

However, the Care Act also presents several threats that need to be addressed. For example, the Act can create perverse incentives that prioritize cost savings over the quality of care. This can lead to the neglect of older people’s needs and preferences, which can have negative consequences for their health and well-being (Beresford and Carr, 2016). Additionally, the Act can create unintended consequences, such as increased bureaucracy and fragmentation of services, which can undermine the effectiveness of the policy (Moran, 2014).

Recommendations

Based on the critical analysis of the Care Act 2014 and the SWOT analysis, several recommendations can be made to improve aspects of the policy.

Firstly, the policy needs to ensure greater consistency in care provision across different regions of the UK. Lloyd et al. (2017) argue that there is considerable variation in the implementation of the Care Act, leading to inequality in care provision. Therefore, there is a need to develop a national framework for care provision that ensures uniformity in service delivery.

Secondly, the policy needs to focus on enhancing the quality of care provided to older adults. Burgess and Campbell (2016) suggest that there is a need to focus on providing high-quality care that meets the needs of older adults, rather than just focusing on cost containment. This can be achieved by providing more training and resources to care providers, which would enable them to provide more comprehensive and compassionate care.

Thirdly, the policy needs to ensure that older adults have greater control over their care and support. Beresford and Carr (2016) argue that the Care Act should be more person-centered, with a greater emphasis on empowering older adults to make decisions about their care. This can be achieved by providing greater access to information and support, such as advocacy services and information about available care options.

Finally, the policy should focus on addressing the financial pressures facing the care sector. Moran (2014) highlights that the funding of social care has been a major issue in the UK, leading to a reduction in the quality and availability of services. Therefore, there is a need for greater investment in social care to ensure that older adults receive the care and support they need.

Conclusions

The Positive Ageing Policies in the UK have been analysed and evaluated using the SWOT framework. The Care Act 2014 has been critically analysed in the context of these policies and the challenges facing the ageing population. While there are some strengths and opportunities in the current policies, there are also significant weaknesses and threats that need to be addressed. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that the government should prioritise investment in preventative measures to improve the health and wellbeing of the ageing population. This could include increased access to social and community-based care services, greater support for caregivers, and a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. It is hoped that this report will contribute to ongoing discussions and debates around the development and implementation of effective policies for positive ageing in the UK.

References

Age UK. (2020a). Later life in the United Kingdom. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/later_life_uk_factsheet.pdf

Age UK. (2020b). Social care in England: State of the nation 2020. Retrieved from https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/reports-and-briefings/care–support/social-care-in-england—state-of-the-nation-2020.pdf

Bamford, C., Poole, M., Brittain, K., Chew-Graham, C., Fox, C., Iliffe, S., … & Manthorpe, J. (2018). Understanding the challenges to implementing case management for people with dementia in primary care in England: a qualitative study using Normalization Process Theory. BMC health services research, 18(1), 1-13.

Burgess, S., & Campbell, D. (2016). In the wake of the Care Act 2014: tensions in the collaborative terrain of adult safeguarding in England. Social Policy & Administration, 50(7), 787-805.

Davies, S., Nolan, M. R., & Nolan, J. (2019). Delivering person-centred dementia care: engaging with and understanding the experiences of family carers. Journal of clinical nursing, 28(15-16), 2908-2919.

Department of Health and Social Care. (2014a). Care Act 2014. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/pdfs/ukpga_20140023_en.pdf

Department of Health and Social Care. (2014b). Care Act 2014: Factsheets. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/care-act-2014-factsheets

Department of Health and Social Care. (2018). Prevention is better than cure: our vision to help you live well for longer. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-is-better-than-cure-our-vision-to-help-you-live-well-for-longer

Dury, S., & Horgas, A. L. (2018). The aging of the population: Opportunities and challenges for human factors research. In Advances in human factors and ergonomics in healthcare (pp. 255-268). Springer, Cham.

European Commission. (2012). An ageing society: A challenge for Europe. https://ec.europa.eu/research/social-sciences/pdf/policy_reviews/ageing-society-challenge-for-europe.pdf

Giebel, C., Cannon, J., Hanna, K., Butchard, S., Eley, R., & Gaughan, A. (2018). A UK survey of COVID-19 related social support closures and their effects on older people, people with dementia, and carers. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 35(12), 1474-1480.

Glasby, J., & Dickinson, H. (2014). Partnership working in health and social care: what is integrated care and how can we deliver it?. Public Policy and Administration, 29(2), 135-151.

Hussein, S., Manthorpe, J., & Byng, R. (2021). End of life care for people with dementia in care homes: a narrative review of best practice. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 22, e24.

King, D., Greaves, F., Exeter, D., Darzi, A., & ‘Bardsley, M. (2021). ‘Choice’and the use of personalised care budgets by people with dementia in England: A qualitative study. Social Science & Medicine, 280, 114026.

Lloyd, J., Davies, N., & Nolan, M. (2017). Recognising diversity: a challenge for person-centred care in dementia. Journal of dementia care, 25(6), 32-33.

Moran, N. (2014). The care bill 2014: What impact will it have on the NHS and social care?. BMJ: British Medical Journal (Online), 349.

Victor, C. R., Scambler, S. J., Bond, J., & Bowling, A. (2018). Being alone in later life: loneliness, social isolation and living alone. Reviews in clinical gerontology, 27(02), 159-174.

WHO. (2021). Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health. https://www.who.int/ageing/WHO-GSAP-2017.pdf?ua=1

Wittenberg, R., Hu, B., Hancock, R., Morciano, M., Comas-Herrera, A., Fernández, J. L., & Malley, J. (2020). Projections of care for older people with dementia in England: 2015 to 2040. Ageing and Society, 40(9), 1908-1931.

Know more about UniqueSubmission’s other writing services:

Assignment Writing Help

Essay Writing Help

Dissertation Writing Help

Case Studies Writing Help

MYOB Perdisco Assignment Help

Presentation Assignment Help

Proofreading & Editing Help