SINCE its inception in 1948, the NHS has provided healthcare which is free at the point of service. But it has also undergone substantial changes and the health service is constantly evolving. Sometimes the perennial changes to the system and structure of care can be confusing, especially for older people who might be wondering where to turn to if they need NHS help. So, in this section, we try to break down how the current NHS works and what services are available...

FREE healthcare is a part and parcel of the NHS. But as you get older even more services and help become available to you. In this section we chart how you can receive help with the cost of various health services…

MAKING sure you choose the right care home to meet your needs should receive your careful consideration. Some older people may think you have to go into a home designated by your local authority. But that could not be further from the truth. In this section we explain the procedure to select the best care home for you…

LOCAL authorities and the NHS are collaborating more closely to improve the way community care services are provided. In this section we outline the latest changes and explain the procedures involved in securing community care…

A PROLONGED stay in hospital, either following a major operation or a serious illness, is often accompanied by feelings of great uncertainty if you are an older person. Will I be well enough to return home? What will happen to me when I discharged? Will I have to go into a home? These are some of the questions you will be a sking yourself. In this section, we aim to provide the answers to those questions and many more…

PAM Ayres’ poem “I wish I’d looked after my teeth” begins to resonate as we get older. Our teeth are among the first parts of our body to show signs of wear and tear and dentistry can be very costly. The NHS usually provides the cheapest option for dental care, as the maximum charge for a complex course of treatment is now £198. This includes work on crowns, bridges and dentures. But some aspects of recommended treatment may be classed as private, so always clarify any cost before work begins. The other alternative is private dentistry on a pay-as-you-go basis, or joining a private dental care plan, where you pay a set monthly or annual fee.

TRADITIONALLY formal complaints against hospitals and GP practices have taken months, sometimes years, to resolve. The Government has recognised this and has moved to try to simplify the NHS complaints system. In this section, we outline the new system and the rights of redress that are now available to you…