Elderly action plan is to be drawn up in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Elderly action plan is to be drawn up in Bradford

9:00am Thursday 16th February 2012 in Bradford By Hannah Baker

An action plan aimed at providing more joined-up care services for older people in the Bradford district is being drawn up following a meeting of professionals working in the sector.

Representatives of Bradford Council, NHS Bradford and Airedale and private care providers met yesterday to discuss how best to provide effective services to vulnerable people in the face of Government spending cuts.

David Wilford, chief executive officer at Holme Wood-based Holme Christian Community, which organised the conference, said the value of the voluntary sector had been overlooked and there was also a need for better communication between providers to avoid duplication of services.

The organisation runs a daycare centre and also provides help to older people living at home.

Mr Wilford said: “We talked to other service providers and it wasn’t just a one-off occasion. People were falling through the net, really vulnerable people who need people advocating for them. We have seen a disjointedness of provision. There’s a need for strong care plans but because of the cuts the ability to do that will be reduced.

“The cuts are unavoidable but we want to say what are we going to do to improve things and stand up for people who can’t speak for themselves.”

The conference also focused on Government proposals to improve care for older people, including plans to make it more tailored to individuals.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, who attended the event, said: “Personalisation is fine if core services can be provided but if core services can’t be provided you are not able to deliver what’s needed.

“It was good to see Bradford people coming together to see what they could do in difficult circumstances. This is something that needs to be addressed by all concerned because the fact is we have got a rising elderly population and we need to make sure people are looked after.”

Last year the Telegraph & Argus started a campaign called With Respect aimed at winning more respect and dignity for elderly people.