OVERVIEW

The UK's population is getting older. With this unprecedented demographic change comes a significant rise in demand for health and social care services. The Health and Social Care Bill sets out the government's plans to reform the NHS, making it more resilient to the impact of our ageing population. Integration is a central focus of the health reforms, and there is considered to be a real opportunity to address the issue of integrating health and social care around older people's needs.

The funding of care in later life remains a major issue. The Commission on Funding of Care and Support sets out its recommendations in July 2011, drawing a universally positive response. However, there appears to be some reluctance on the side of the government to go ahead with plans which incur a cost, irrespective of the demonstrable long-term gains. The white paper on social care reform originally planned for November 2011 is now expected in April 2012, with legislation following shortly afterwards.

Following well-publicised issues at various care homes across the country, the quality of care is under particular scrutiny. With the government pushing ahead with plans to open up certain community and mental health services to Any Qualified Provider, the question of quality, and how to guarantee it in an increasingly diversifying market, is a challenging one. The recently launched 'Caring for our Future' engagement exercise aims to identify the best ways in which to improve the care system, covering themes such as quality, personalisation, prevention and integration.

There are many workable strategies for ensuring dignity and independence in later life. Innovations in telehealth and assisted living, for example, are allowing more and more elderly people to remain in their own homes for longer. The NHS Confederation, Age UK and the Local Government Group have established a new 'Partnership on Dignity in Care' to help drive improvements in the levels of care provided to older people in hospitals and care homes. This partnership aims to encourage and support leaders from across the health and social care sector to tackle issues, finding long-term solutions that actually work.

At Public Service Events' third annual Later Life conference, delegates will have the opportunity to hear from an outstanding programme of high-profile speakers about the latest developments in health and social care for our ageing population.