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Chapter 13: Other factors
How Scotland looks after the increasing number of older people expected in the next 10 or so years is crucially dependent on a number of factors. These include:
- the economic health and wealth of Scotland as a whole. If Scotland in 10 years time is vibrant, with an open culture to learning and adopting best practice, the future will be very different than if Scotland has low economic growth, is pessimistic and inward looking.
- the take up of active ageing, and the extent to which individuals are prepared to take responsibility for their health and well-being.
- the extent to which reports such as Building a Health Service Fit for the Future and Better Outcomes for Older People are embraced and implemented at local level.
Better quality and more person-centred social care helps reduce demands on hospital/health care. Thus there are fewer emergency incidents and admissions when there is:
- self care and self management
- good care of skin and cleanliness, resulting in fewer bed sores
- good nutrition (many emergency admissions of older people are when they have become dehydrated and lost weight)
- good infection control
- care well-linked to community nursing
- good falls prevention
- palliative care in homes and at home, and
- good person-centred planning round dementia.
These are all aspects of good practice, operating at different levels within the wide range of care that meets the needs of older people. The message is that all parts of the system contribute to the care of older people; there is much good practice available; and that whatever part we play we all need to raise the standard so that good care is available to all who need it, when they need it.
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