Older People

The proportion of the Highland population entering into old age is increasing year on year and most people can look forward to a healthy and happy retirement, able to enjoy leisure time with family and friends after a busy working life.

The Social Work Service is here to support older people to remain safe, secure and independent for as long as possible.

Through the consultation process that went alongside the Community Care Plan, we have identified key outcomes for our services to older people. People we spoke to want to:

• Live as long and healthy lives as possible;
• Feel safe;
• Stay in a home of their own wherever sensible;
• Be free from stigma and discrimination;
• Keep up their important relationships; and
• Develop through having interesting things to do.

In many situations achieving these outcomes means working with colleagues in the Housing Service, Education Culture and Sport, NHS Highland, the Police and Fire Services, as well as many other voluntary agencies.

At the heart of our approach is the notion of minimum intervention. We do not assume that older age inevitably brings dependence and our work is increasingly focussed on short but intensive, targeted interventions aimed at restoring confidence and abilities wherever possible. We call this approach Reablement.

The Social Work Service has access to a range of resources to assist older people

• Care at Home and Home-based Services
• Care Home Services for Older People
• Housing adaptations and other Housing solutions
• Telecare

Our staff are able to offer assessment and counselling skills and we work closely with partner agencies to offer specialist mental and physical health supports. In addition we are keen to work with families and carers to support them in their desire to keep loved ones safe and in the community.