Advances in health care have helped people to live longer than ever before. This is good news for all of us but it creates a challenge for the society – as we get older we tend to get long term conditions and need more health and social care.
According to The 2018 Ageing Report by the European Commission, it shows that costs linked to pensions, health care and long-term care are expected to rise over the coming decades, as Europe’s population continues to age significantly.
In 2017, in the UK 18,2% of the population was over the age of 65, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of people over the age of 65 is projected to reach around one in every four people (24%) by 2037.
There are inequalities in access to healthcare between countries in Europe and within countries. Social isolation and loneliness, as well as deteriorating health due to poor transport links or an unreliable health service, are becoming increasingly likely as a result. However, with appropriate government funding, community support and thorough research, a positive trajectory can be achieved.
Social care providers are under pressure, struggling to retain staff, maintain quality and stay in business. Increasing numbers of people are not receiving the help they need, which in turn puts a strain on carers.
More and more care homes and group homes have discovered the benefits of assistive tools for improving the quality of service and providing a more fulfilling life for the residents.
