About �20m is spent on care for the elderly in Jersey

Health services for the elderly in Jersey provided by the States are slowly improving, according to a report.

But the island's Health Committee says there is still much work to be done.

About �20m of taxpayers' money is spent on services for the island's older people.

A review last year made a series of recommendations.

In a progress report, the Health Committee says achievements include reducing the length of time older people have to stay in the General Hospital, which eases the pressure on the availability of beds.

Limited resources

But the report also highlights barriers to progress.

These include problems with information systems and limited resources for improving the guidelines for specialist mental health services.

The report also says there needs to be more clarity over the Health Committee's relationship with Family Nursing and Home Care.

This organisation receives a grant of about �4m from Health for community services, mainly to look after the elderly.