CUTS SIGNAL REAL CONCERNS FOR CARE IN THE REGION

CUTS SIGNAL REAL CONCERNS FOR CARE IN THE REGION

With the government’s announcement that grant funding is to be cut by up to £1.7 billion, organisations like Care Plus will in future be less able to build affordable new homes for the over 55s, a worrying forecast for a region with a population of 22,700 aged over 65, a figure set to increase by 49% by 2025.

Current developments such as Vine Court in Cannock are part funded by the government which enables Care Plus to provide older people with modern, affordable accommodation. The 83 purpose-built apartments offer independent living with the flexibility to call on care and support whenever it is needed, giving residents choice, comfort and reassurance. The high quality of care provided often alleviates the need for admission to hospital in case of illness and supports those with long term conditions. This scheme and others like it, are invaluable to the regions older residents and it is real cause for concern that they may not be built in future.

Today’s announcement is likely to mean that more older people will face the prospect of moving into a residential home, and with the average weekly cost of this set at £540 (against £198 per week at Vine Court), this will place a significant financial burden on individuals as well as the public purse. Where organisations like Care Plus offer personalised care with the emphasis on individual choice, cuts in funding are likely to see a return to institutionalised care in traditional nursing homes, with residents having to fit into a set routine. And, in the long term, with little opportunity to explore new hobbies, maintain interests and socialise with friends, this is likely to affect residents’ health and wellbeing.

As well as fewer new homes, there is real concern that older people are likely to be forced out of their existing homes due to proposed housing benefit cuts and new rules on under-occupancy. Whilst there is a need to ensure that single people are not occupying large family homes, restricting housing options for older people could mean them leaving the home in which they raised their family, to face an uncertain future.

The coming years are likely to see an unsustainable demand on care home places and a worrying knock-on effect on the NHS with older people unable to leave hospital without a place to go. Where we should be embracing progress in the quality of care and support services for older people, we may instead be seeing a return to lower standards and an expectation of a miserable old age.

For more information call about Care Plus call 01785 312000 or visit www.care-plus.org.uk.