AQO 14/10

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/09/2009
Answered On Date: 14/09/2009
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust's assertion that the modern approach to older persons mental health day support is best achieved by individual care plans rather than centre-based activities.

Answer:

I agree with the Trust that the needs of each of its older people should be assessed on an individual basis to formulate tailored care plans. This was also recommended by the Bamford Review which strongly advocated the person centred approach. Part of the care plan could, of course, be placement in an appropriate day centre.