Almost 15,000 extra day care, hospital and residential places are to be provided for the elderly under the Government's new health strategy.
An extra 7,000 places in day centres are planned and 5,600 residential care places are to be introduced at the rate of 800 per year over the next seven years. Hospitals will get an additional 1,370 assessment and rehabilitation beds and will be allowed to recruit more geriatricians.
An extra 600 beds will also be provided in hospital day units to accompany clinics specialising in falls, osteoporosis, fracture prevention, Parkinson's Disease, stroke prevention, heart failure and continence control.
The strategy recognises that the level of investment in services for the elderly was low up to the mid-1990s.
"Older people often experience a poor level of health accompanied by pain, discomfort, anxiety and depression," it states.
It predicts the number of over-65s will double to a fifth of the population in the next 30 years and says considerable investment is needed now to meet future demands.
The strategy sets a deadline of mid-2002 for the publication of an inter-departmental Action Plan on Age. A specific action plan on dementia will also be drawn up.
Other measures include increased funding to facilitate voluntary groups in providing services such as shopping, home visits and transport for older people.
Increased funding for home aids and appliances will also be provided and the remit of the Social Services Inspectorate will be extended to include inspections of residential care units for the elderly.
Confusion over the eligibility criteria for elderly people seeking long-term residential care will be cleared up and the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme will be amended to allow people to opt for care in their own home.
The Carer's Allowance will also be reviewed and a grant will be introduced to cover two weeks respite care per year for dependent older people.