Safety net needed for people unable to self-manage or make choices

The patient choice agenda is likely to become more of a reality, with some people becoming expert in self-managing their care and deciding when to bring in different types of staff support. However there needs to be a safety net system for people unable or unwilling to manage such matters. Staff – presumably the GP or case manager, when there is no family or carer available – will have to take decisions on their behalf. The number of patients in this category will increase as, for example, dementia numbers increase.

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.