C3 The societal effects of an ageing population

Question 1

What are societal effects of an ageing population?

Answer 1

Health and social care provision for the aged.
* Economic effects of an ageing population.

Question 2

What is formal support?

Answer 2

GP Prescribe medication, refer to hospital and further support, talk
through symptoms, offer advice, give encouragement
Dentist, Opticians. Use of acute services such as A&E / Paramedics, Podiatrists
District nurse Give medication (NOT prescribe), change dressings, give
injections, give encouragement, talk to patient, refer patient to other professional support if needed. Community support
needed before hospital
Social Worker Offer support to a later adult if unable to look after him/herself in own house. Check that children are well cared for and safe
Counsellor Talk through problems, offer advice, can refer to other support.
Might also use Mental Health Services, Dementia support etc
Dietician To talk through problems, to help set up a diet plan (having analysed old eating routine), monitor new diet, exercise plan
alongside Physiotherapist
To help patient move limbs after an operation, offer support and encouragement, exercises at home to improve mobility
Pharmacist To give advice for minor illnesses, to offer support and encouragement, to encourage a patient to refer themselves to
further professional support
Home care assistant
To help a patient get in/out of bed, to help wash/bathe, to help
with food and cooking, to help with daily jobs, to help with
cleaning

Question 3

What is informal suppport?

Answer 3

Partner Talk to person, refer person to professional support and take person out to make them feel better.
Encourage them to stop smoking and exercise etc…Family (children)
Behave to take pressure off parent, help with jobs around house, work hard in school to take pressure off parents, take a part-time job if old enough
Family
(adults)
Take person out, cook for them, help out with jobs around house, refer person to professional support
Neighbour
Talk to person, help with shopping, take person to hospital/shops by car, cook for them, refer person to professional support
Ex-Work colleagues Talk to person, help with shopping, take person to hospital/shops by car, cook for them, refer person to
professional support

Question 4

What is voluntary support?

Answer 4

Voluntary-Religious Groups -Priest/ Vicar. Talk to person, pray for person, seek professional, support for person if necessary, visit person, based on
religious beliefs and morals
Community group –Self help, Based in local area to understand local needs, offer
support such as food banks, meals on wheels,
transport etc
Voluntary -Age UK Talk to person and encourage, comfort and encourage to seek professional/informal support where
necessary, welfare needs such as bereavement
Equipment might need to be provided such as frames, walking sticks, wheelchairs, toilet and bath support etc.
Financial support such as benefits, pension, bus pass, reduced
council tax, tv licence, free prescriptions and eye care.