Context
Scotland's Ageing Population
Loneliness and social isolation is a major public health risk. The increasing population of older people and the resultant demands which will be placed on statutory services is well documented both at local and national levels. The Scottish Government's Single Outcome Agreement guidance identifies older people as a priority group and the need for preventative and anticipatory support to help older people retain their independence for as along as possible in their own homes and communities.
This is precisely what the light-touch, high-impact Good Morning Service does.
By connecting directly to older people up to every day (twice a day if the person has a Good Night Call) the service directly reduces isolation and exclusion thus improves mental health. Improving mental health is a correlating action in maintaining, improving or slowing the decline of physical health.
"Good Morning Service is an outstanding way to prevent social isolation particularly amongst the frail elderly. It promotes compassionate conversations and ensures that care in a home setting is maintained. It should be in every Health and Social Care Partnership in Scotland."
Ian Welsh, CEO, The Health and Social Care Alliance.
