The
quality of social services for elderly people still falls short of patient and
staff expectations, despite some improvements over the past year.
A
new report from the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) found that further
improvements were needed, especially around services for those with mental
health difficulties or in culturally sensitive situations.
However,
the SSI report concluded that many councils were at least aware of the
shortcomings and were planning for improvements.
The
report also found better strategic planning between different trusts and noted
the beginning of a fundamental cultural shift in social care.
It
said social care was becoming more focused on promoting independence, by
empowering patients and offering them more choice.
