Unmet Need and Older People : Toward a Synthesis of User and Provider Views

This report provides a thematic review of the vast amount of literature relating to the concept of unmet need in respect of older people.

It draws common points from existing literature to identify aspects where older people's needs are not being met.

It suggests that an inappropriate concept of need is used - which may reinforce stereotypes of older adults as passive, dependent or needy - and indicates that failure to meet short-term needs has long term consequences, for individuals and for services providing care and support.

The authors argue that health assessments frequently underestimate the needs of older people and that assessment approaches vary markedly across local authorities.