Informing the elderly

This paper reports an investigation into the provision of information on social benefits and sevices to the elderly. It was found that most agencies rely heavily on leaflets. A selection of these were evaluated and most were found to be difficult, dull and confusing; a survey of elderly people revealed that few could recall seeing them, and few professionals used them. The survey also showed that the most house-bound were the least well-informed and contact with family, friends, doctors and social workers did not improve matters. One conclusion was that much money is spent on information which is seen by just a few.