Baby boxes: Now OAPs get one too
ELDERLY patients could soon leave hospital with ‘welcome home boxes’ aimed at stopping them becoming ill again.
More than 100,000 pensioners could be discharged with hampers containing healthy food, thermometers to check their house temperature and a range of contacts to call for support.
The proposal by the Mental Health Foundation was inspired by the SNP’s baby box, which has been given to all new parents since the summer.
Baby boxes include clothing, nappies – and even a poem in Scots – and also double up as an emergency cot for newborns.
The MHF believes its boxes could ease pressure on crisis-hit hospitals by cutting readmissions. NHS Lothian is considering piloting the scheme.
Critics warned they would be no substitute for proper investment in community care – and could have little impact at taxpayers’ expense. Toni Guigliano, policy and public affairs manager at the MHF, said: ‘If we prevent loneliness, we can prevent mental health problems and reduce hospital admissions.
‘Too many older people are stuck in wards as there is no alternative for them – but in many cases it’s not an acute need but a social and community response they require. Screening for depression upon discharge would also allow us to treat the thousands of older people who are living with undiagnosed mental health problems.’
The Scottish Government will launch a consultation on its draft strategy for tackling loneliness this week, with a debate in Holyrood on Thursday.
Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour communities, social security and equalities spokeswoman, said: ‘A welcome home box for older people is an idea worth exploring and I’ll be interested to see the feedback when the scheme is piloted.
‘But tackling social isolation as a whole will only be achieved by reversing cuts to community services. All too often it is initiatives run or supported by local councils such as day centres which are the first to suffer from austerity-driven budget cuts.’
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director for NHS Lothian, said: ‘Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and it can have a serious effect on their health.
‘We are working with the Scottish Government and associated charities to find new ways to ensure older people feel less isolated.’
Jeane Freeman, Social Security Minister, said: ‘All of us have a role to play ensuring that friends, family and neighbours are supported and feel involved.’