Older people entitled to service assessment
Older people over the age of 80 and recipients of special care allowances will be able to receive a service needs assessment from their local authority within seven days. The measure, which becomes law from March 2006, concerns non-urgent service needs. Urgent service needs are determined without an assessment procedure.
The aim of the move is to improve services for older people so they are available when needed and that people using them cane benefit from them properly. More timely delivery of services will help older people cope better in everyday life and in living at home.
Social service offices carry service needs assessments either by home visits or office appointments. Healthcare services may also contact social services about arranging urgent support to clients.
More information:
Anne-Marie Brisson, Senior Officer, Legal Affairs Section, tel. +358 9 160 743 55