The Legislative basis for the assessment of the Smiths needs; Essay

The Legislative basis for the assessment of the Smiths needs; provision of service; and types of services available - Essay Example The standards include the concepts of; dignity; privacy; choice; safety; realizing potential; and equality and diversity. In conjunction with the Regulation Act, the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 seek to promote equity, choice and dignity among clients like the Smiths, by shifting the focus from institutional care and promoting a collaborative approach by health and care services. However, there have been concerns voiced by critics that some of the objectives of these Acts are undermined in terms of discriminatory practices, especially toward elderly citizens. It appears that age discrimination is widespread across health and care services, present in day-to-day language where it is considered 'benign' and evident in beliefs, values and attitudes that perceive the older person as characteristically different from the rest of society. This view is reflected in the chronic under funding of social care for older people. The Smiths, like many elderly within the population of Scotland, have ongoing health care costs, the need for social support, the need for education and up-to-date information pertinent to their social welfare and health needs, as well as idiosyncratic personal needs and expectations, such as assistance and support with their son going to court (Sim, 2005). In this respect, there is a critical need for a review of social and health provisions to the elderly who are living at home. Provision of Services The Scottish Ministers ensure that the provision of services meets a high standard of quality service by regularly reviewing the national care standards that apply to care services, and this includes the delivery of services to the elderly. To enable the optimum provision of services, the standards and services are continuously evaluated with the inclusive consultation of those who are the end users of the services; such as the Smiths. The Scottish Social Services Council's codes of practice are also taken into consideration. The code states the responsibilities of employers when regulating the activities of social service workers. As a code of practice, a list of expectations of social service workers details standards for professional conduct and practice. The code ensures a standardisation of care services across the Scottish community.Hence, an employer must ensure that a competent social worker is part of the services workforce, and this means they must understand the responsib ilities of their role. Policies, procedures and protocols must exist in hard document form to enable social workers to meet the code of practice standards. Training and ongoing professional development opportunities must be made available to social worker staffs. Policies must address issues of discrimination and dangerous or exploitive behavior. And finally the code must be promoted among social workers as well as the wider community. Types of Service For a couple like the Smith's several service care options are available; housing support services (which provides assistance, advice, and counseling) to support the elderly to live within their home; home care services; an independent health care service; a nurse agency; respite care;