Issues Affecting Older People
Nine Older People Listening Acting Making a difference |
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Making sure you get the free eye tests you are entitled to. | Toilets closed: it must be dusk - the state of our toilets | |||||
Influencing government policy. | The OPC medical card scheme. | |||||
 | Links to other organisations working for and with older people. | Where to find more information on local services. | ||||
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The issue
Department of Health guidance states that people aged 60+ are eligible for a free eye sight test every 2 years or more frequently if recommended by an optometrist. People aged 70 years or over are entitled to an annual test or more frequently if recommended by an optometrist. Following a representation the OPC wants to make sure that older people are receiving the eye tests to which they are entitled and that these free eye tests are not being linked to the purchase of glasses.
Action taken by the OPC The Older People’s Council have asked the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (HOSC)to clarify the current position. HOSC is a committee conveend by teh city council to scrutinise teh perfromance of health organisations in teh city. The OPC asked HOSC; 1) How does the PCT promote free eye testing for older people and how does it monitor its delivery by local opticians? 2) What has been the take-up of free tests for each year over the past 5 years identifying those older people who are:
3) How does the city compare nationally, regionally and with comparator cities in respect of free eye testing? 4) Some older people have said that they feel they have been placed under pressure to purchase spectacles etc. when visiting an optician for their free eye test. What steps the PCT takes to ensure that city opticians do not inappropriately use free eye testing sessions to push for sales?” Back to top |
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Easy access to public toilets makes a difference. For many people quick and easy access to public toilets can make the difference between housebound isolation and being able to get out and about enjoying life to the full. Increasing numbers of pubs and cafes are closing their toilet doors to all but their customers. With each passing year more and more public toilets seem to disappear. The Older People's Council is currently investigating this issue. We want to know what you think. When you are out and about do you find it reasonably easy to access a public toilet when you need to or has the lack of toilet provision stopped you doing something that you wanted to do? Calling the city council to account. Later this year (2008) the Older People's Council will be inviting a senior officer of the city council to attend one of it's monthly meetings to explain what is being done by the city council to ensure easy access to public toilets. Back to top |
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 | The Older People's Council has long been troubled by the way "Life Long Learning" has failed to live up to its title. We believe that good adult learning is invaluable. The learning might be vocational, or simply for personal enlightenment and fulfilment. The Older People's Council recognises that adult learning contributes immeasurably to the well-being and health of our society. In January the government published a consultation document "Informal Adult Learning: Shaping the way ahead" In his introduction to the consultation John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities & Skills describes how he hopes to start a discussion that will lead to a new vision for informal adult learning for the 21st century.
The consultation seeks views on informal adult learning and considers
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What we saidIn our submission we highlight 3 basic issues that must be addressed if the dream of Life Long Learning is to become a reality; MONEY- to fund a range of affordable learning opportunitiesACCOMMODATION - that is easy to access and cheap to use INFORMATION - that is widely available about learning opportunities and courses | |||
Documents and Information
Informal Adult Learning: Shaping the Way Ahead (The consultation document)The OPC response to the consultationThe consultation closed on the 15th May 2008 further details from Department for Universities, Innovation & Skills Back to top | |||
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The OPC has established a medical card which thousands of older people across Brighton and Hove now carry. The simple life-saving card allows older people to carry details of any medication they may be taking at all times. Please contact your GP if you would like to obtain a card.Are you a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other health worker? Would you like to support this scheme. If you would like a supply of medical cards and an attractive card dispenser contact us on (01273) 296427.Please note that we are only able to supply outlets serving the city of Brighton & Hove. Back to top |
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For information on other issues including housing, money, elder abuse, discrimination and leisure please visit the websites of the organisations listed below:
Age Concern Help the Aged |
For information on local services including bus passes and timetables, recreation facilities and care homes please visit the Brighton and Hove City Council's website. Back to top |