The situation in the UK is quite complex with a number of separate agencies involved in advice about and provision of equipment and services. Legislation and regulation is equally fragmented. These may be differentiated according to sector- e.g. employment, healthcare, social care etc. Social care ICTs (e.g. community alarms) are provided by a range of private and public agencies operating at local and national levels.
The National Health Service (NHS) Plan sets out the current government's requirements for a modern system of health and social care in the UK. A key component of the reform programme are National Service Frameworks (NSFs) set up to improve health and social care services in priority areas by setting standards to enhance quality and deal with variations in the available care.
The varying needs of elderly and disabled people requires cross-sectoral collaboration in terms of provision and funding at both the national and regional level. The Department of Health is responsible for policy relating to health and social care. The Department of Transport, Regions and the Environment are responsible for issues relating to housing. Disability benefits are the responsibility of the Department of Social Security.
The Department of Health published its "National Strategy for Carers" in 1998. Recognising the important role of carers in providing care and support to frail and disabled people and their own health and social care needs, government policy is to support carers through better information, support and care services. The National Strategy for Carers makes significant reference to the use of new technology as an important means to help carers.
Potential of ICT for supporting older people is recognised, but clear strategy for the development of products and related services, funding and provision is still lacking
The role of informal carers as the main providers of home care has long been recognised in the UK. National and local policy has increasingly taken into account carers' needs, both in terms of their own health and wellbeing and as a resource for providing help to others.
The key issues are access and provision of equipment/terminals and services provided. Public access has been improved through installation of IT access points in libraries. Services, such as NHS "Direct and Care Direct" provide online information and access to services. Specific equipment can be provided by NHS and local authorities as part of care package.
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