Care direct: an integrated route to help for older people

Care Direct is a new service launched by the Department of Health and piloted in six areas, offering information and support to people over 60 and their carers, principally through a telephone help-line service. The strategic aim is to promote the independence of older people and enable them to make informed decisions about their need for care. The experience of the first year has been positive, with the service meeting its targets in terms of the range and volume of activity, and achieving satisfaction with callers. Nevertheless challenges remain. Management is being referred to the Department for Work and Pensions, and Care Direct will be incorporated into a new 'Third Age' service.