It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Darlington Clock Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Darlington, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Old School Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Bay Horse or visit Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Darlington, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Darlington, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Darlington, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Amazon has unveiled its first robot it says has a sense of touch that it calls a “fundamental leap forward in robotics”.Called Project Vulcan, the new robot has “force feedback sensors” on the end of an arm and grabbing tool, which make it able to understand how much force it is applying to a push or grab, and can control that force to manipulate and clutch items without causing damage.Amazon said Vulcan would join its array of robots already used in its warehouses and fulfilment centres to pick up and m...
Amazon has unveiled its first robot it says has a sense of touch that it calls a “fundamental leap forward in robotics”.
Called Project Vulcan, the new robot has “force feedback sensors” on the end of an arm and grabbing tool, which make it able to understand how much force it is applying to a push or grab, and can control that force to manipulate and clutch items without causing damage.
Amazon said Vulcan would join its array of robots already used in its warehouses and fulfilment centres to pick up and move items, but said Vulcan was now able to handle around three quarters of the millions of products the e-commerce giant offers, and can move stock at a speed comparable to human workers.
Aaron Parness, Amazon’s director of robotics AI, said: “Vulcan works alongside our employees, and the combination is better than either on their own.
“Vulcan represents a fundamental leap forward in robotics.
“It’s not just seeing the world, it’s feeling it, enabling capabilities that were impossible for robots until now.”
The US firm said the development of the new type of robot was sparked by a desire to free up time for human staff, as well as improve safety and efficiency in its fulfilment centres.
And in response to concerns about robots replacing humans in the workplace, Amazon said its range of robots have created “hundreds” of new categories of jobs at the firm, including maintenance engineers and monitoring staff for its robotic fleet.
Amazon said it also offers training schemes to help staff move into robotics and other fields.
Vulcan is expected to be rolled out to sites throughout Europe and the United States over the next “couple of years”.
Mr Parness said it was “a technology that three years ago seemed impossible but is now set to help transform our operations”.
“Our vision is to scale this technology across our network, enhancing operational efficiency, improving workplace safety, and supporting our employees by reducing physically demanding tasks,” he said.
The Kremlin has announced that Russian president Vladimir Putin will travel to China at the end of August, reciprocating Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia this week.Mr Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the visit will be part of a “good tradition,” in which Mr Xi visits Moscow to attend celebrations of Russia’s defeat over Nazi Germany in May 1945, and Mr Putin travels to China to attend events marking the Allied defeat of Japan.“This was the case 10 yea...
The Kremlin has announced that Russian president Vladimir Putin will travel to China at the end of August, reciprocating Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia this week.
Mr Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the visit will be part of a “good tradition,” in which Mr Xi visits Moscow to attend celebrations of Russia’s defeat over Nazi Germany in May 1945, and Mr Putin travels to China to attend events marking the Allied defeat of Japan.
“This was the case 10 years ago, in 2015, and this will be the case this year,” Mr Ushakov said.
On September 3, Beijing is set to host an event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which China refers to as “the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression”.
In 2015, China marked the 70th anniversary of its role in the defeat of Japan with a massive military parade involving more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military equipment and 200 military aircraft.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier this year announced that China and Russia would jointly mark this year’s anniversary.
Mr Putin last visited China a year ago, in his first foreign trip after being sworn in for his fifth term in office. He also went in October 2023 and in February 2022, weeks before the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Mr Xi’s visit to Russia will be his third since then. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlin’s contentions that Russia’s action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.
After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China because of Western sanctions.
China’s increased trade with Russia has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.
Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.
Mr Xi last visited Russia in September 2024 for a summit of the Brics bloc of developing economies. He paid a state visit to Russia in March 2023. The two leaders also met in Kazakhstan in July 2024.
Thousands of GCSE pupils will receive their exam results via an app this summer as part of a Government pilot to bring records into the 21st century.Digital education records, which will bring students’ exam results and certificates into one app, will be trialled to help young people when applying to further education (FE), apprenticeships or employment.More than 95,000 Year 11 pupils in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their GCSE results via an app ahead of a national roll-out.The Government h...
Thousands of GCSE pupils will receive their exam results via an app this summer as part of a Government pilot to bring records into the 21st century.
Digital education records, which will bring students’ exam results and certificates into one app, will be trialled to help young people when applying to further education (FE), apprenticeships or employment.
More than 95,000 Year 11 pupils in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their GCSE results via an app ahead of a national roll-out.
The Government has suggested the move will cut bureaucracy and save schools and colleges up to £30 million a year once the full roll-out is complete.
It has estimated that this is enough money to pay the salaries of more than 600 new teachers in FE.
The announcement comes as tens of thousands of pupils are due to start their GCSE and A-level exams over the next few weeks.
The Education Record app could sit in the new gov.uk wallet being rolled out by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in the future.
Education minister Stephen Morgan said: “It is high time exam records were brought into the 21st century, and this pilot will allow schools and colleges to focus on what they do best: teaching the next generation rather than being bogged down in bureaucracy.
“This government is slashing red tape through our Plan for Change to drive growth, cut admin for teachers and give tens of thousands of young people more opportunities to get on in skilled careers.”
This week, Mr Morgan visited the Hathershaw College, a secondary school in Oldham, which has been trialling the app since spring 2024.
Following the success of the localised trial, the Department for Education is scaling up the roll-out.
Mark Giles, principal at the Hathershaw College, said the education record was “accurate, verifiable and could be presented to providers without delay”.
He added: “We believe this will reduce administrative burdens on schools, and in the future could also be utilised by parents of younger children to support transition from primary to secondary school.”
James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “It makes a lot of sense to look into modernising how exam results are handled and any moves to cut bureaucracy and costs are welcome.
“It is vital that any changes work for schools and colleges, as well as pupils, at what is always a busy, pressurised time for school leaders and their staff.
“We are therefore pleased that the app is being piloted, and it is important that this is done carefully, with seamless support for students and schools should any issues arise, and swift action to learn lessons from these.
“When we are dealing with something as important as exam results it is crucial that the Government gets this absolutely right.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The Education Record app represents a positive step forward in making greater use of digital technology in education and will bring benefits to students, schools and colleges.
“Up until now, the development of education technology has tended to take place in a frustratingly piecemeal fashion – essentially led by the market rather than via a cohesive national approach.
“We would like to see a much more strategic vision. This should extend to exams themselves which continue to be largely conducted via pen and paper, creating a massive burden in terms of secure storage and transportation of papers and scripts.
“A digital exam system would improve matters for everyone involved and we urge the Government to invest in creating the infrastructure schools and colleges need to make this a reality.”
Bayern were crowned German champions on Sunday after second-placed Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 at Freiburg.England captain Kane appeared bleary-eyed and sounded hoarse on Monday as he reflected on the celebrations.“What a night last night, what a celebration with the players, with the staff – I’m sure everyone’s feeling it a little bit this morning,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.“But we’re here and I feel amazing. It’s been a long time coming.&ldqu...
Bayern were crowned German champions on Sunday after second-placed Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 at Freiburg.
England captain Kane appeared bleary-eyed and sounded hoarse on Monday as he reflected on the celebrations.
“What a night last night, what a celebration with the players, with the staff – I’m sure everyone’s feeling it a little bit this morning,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.
“But we’re here and I feel amazing. It’s been a long time coming.
“Obviously a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, and it just feels sweet to win the title and the first one of my career.”
With Kane forced to watch from the stands due to a one-match ban, Bayern were seconds away from wrapping up the title on Saturday before conceding an added-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at RB Leipzig. Eric Dier, another ex-Spurs man winning his first major trophy, scored Bayern’s first goal.
Defending champions Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, needed to win each of their remaining three games to stay in contention.
Kane has narrowly missed out on major honours numerous times during his prolific career, including finishing a runner-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 with England and in the 2019 Champions League final with Tottenham.
The 31-year-old’s maiden winner’s medal comes more than 14 years since his professional debut and following 447 goals in 694 appearances for club and country.
Kane – the Bundesliga’s top scorer this term with 24 goals – is set to return to action on Saturday when Borussia Monchengladbach visit the Allianz Arena.
“I appreciate all the support as always, it never goes unnoticed and I can’t wait to enjoy these next couple of weeks,” he continued.
“I can’t wait to be at the Allianz on Saturday and celebrate in front of the fans and then as always we look forward to the next one and we go again and try and get number two.”
Inequality continues to kill people on a “grand scale” across the world, experts have warned, with factors like poor housing and a lack of education and jobs influencing health more than genetics or care.It comes as a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed targets designed to help tackle global health inequalities within a generation will not be met.In 2008, the WHO commission on the social determinants of health highlighted how the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age,...
Inequality continues to kill people on a “grand scale” across the world, experts have warned, with factors like poor housing and a lack of education and jobs influencing health more than genetics or care.
It comes as a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed targets designed to help tackle global health inequalities within a generation will not be met.
In 2008, the WHO commission on the social determinants of health highlighted how the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, as well as access to power, money and resources, have a powerful influence on health.
One key target set out in the document was to halve the gap in life expectancy between countries and between social groups within countries by 2040.
It also aimed to halve adult mortality rates in all countries and reduce child and material mortality rates by 90% and 95% respectively.
While WHO said progress has been made against all three targets, it warned that the “current rates of improvement are insufficient” to meet them in the next 15 years.
The new report highlights that improvements in education, job opportunities, water, energy, sanitation, housing and transport “have contributed greatly” to progress, but this has been “brought to a halt by a series of predictable and preventable global crises” and also “driven by conflict and pandemics”.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity and chair of the 2008 commission, added: “There is wide acceptance that the economy should work for the whole of society; similarly spending on defence protects the security of everyone.
“The same should be true for health because it is the outcome of action of the whole of government, not only of health departments.
“Our commission in 2008 laid out what needed to be done, yet too few countries have taken advantage of that technical advice.
“As such, the targets we set to close the health gap in a generation will be missed.
“It is a sad indictment on government leaders that social injustice continues to kill on such a grand scale.”
According to WHO, the gap in life expectancy at birth between the top and bottom third of countries declined by 5.6 years between 2000 and 2021, from a gap of 18.2 years to 12.5 years.
The biggest increase in life expectancy was in the bottom third countries – from 59 years to 66 years – although WHO warned “progress has slowed significantly”.
Available data also shows that the gap in life expectancy between the most and least advantaged groups within some countries has widened in the last two decades.
WHO said mortality among mothers and in children under five has improved, but needs to reduce further.
Between 2000 and 2023, the global rate of under-five mortality halved from 77 to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, but will require a further reduction to eight deaths per 1,000 live births to meet the 2040 target.
During the same period, the global maternal mortality rate declined by 40%, but will have to fall from 197 deaths to 16 deaths per 100,000 live births to meet targets.
According to the UCL Institute of Health Equity, since the 2008 commission, a million people in 90% of areas in England were living shorter lives than they should have been between 2011 and the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It also highlights how life expectancy stalled nationally between 2010-2012 and 2020-2022, with the largest decreases seen in the most deprived 10% areas of the North East.
Sir Michael added that there is “still much to do” when it comes to health inequalities.
WHO is calling for action to address the so-called “structural drivers” of inequality, which include economic and political systems that create an unequal distribution of money, power and resources.
“The new report reinforces that most health outcomes are driven by the social circumstances of daily life, and inequities in power, money and resources,” Sir Michael said.
“These structural drivers of health inequalities have received much less focus over the period since they were laid out in the commission’s report.”
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