Improving services for older people--National Service Framework for Older People.

Abstract

The Department of Health’s National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People was finally published in March 2001 after much speculation about its likely content and message. It was, however, worth waiting for - not only because of its potential to improve and standardise care for older people, thereby minirnising inequality, but also because of its emphasis on the importance of providing care which is individualised and delivered with drespect, dignity and fairness& dquo; (DoH, 2001). The NSF aims to improve the care provided to older people and their families through service adherence to eight evidence-based standards that focus on: rooting out age discrimination; person-centred care; intermediate care; general hospital care; stroke; falls; mental health in older people; and the promotion of health and active life in older age.