Social care services for older people in Southend are serving some people well but there is room for improvement, according to a new study.

The study by the social services inspectorate highlighted a number of weaknesses in the service and various recommendations will be implemented to ensure that the problems are met and remedied.

The inspecting team said the council had set ambitious targets for its older people's services and although a lot had been developed, it was difficult to find out how the council was intending to plot its progress on developments and improvements.

With some services, there was "inaccessibility for the community" and it was difficult for some elderly people who were moved from intermediate to lower level home care support.

In addition, there were gaps in service with little availability of support for older people outside normal office hours and home care support for those with mental health needs was limited, while support services for carers could be further developed.

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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