RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN WOKING UNDER THREAT

2.00.00pm GMT Fri 11th Feb 2005

Dr Anne Lee discussing the findings of the Liberal Democrats survey with Barry Liddle (owner) and Mick Young (Senior Care Worker) of Kettlewell Hill Nursing Home

"Residential accommodation for older people is under threat" says Dr Anne Lee (Woking Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Spokesperson) "I have now received survey forms, visited some nursing and residential homes for the elderly in Woking and discussed the results with various professional groups. It is clear that three things are badly needed.

Better funding from social services for this care

Affordable accommodation for care workers in Woking

A review of legislation affecting these homes to identify duplication, gaps and irrelevancies"

The report also highlights the problem of social exclusion of older people. Anne said "some older people who still live in their own home are forced to spend too much time on their own, and some who live in nursing homes do not have regular visitors."

She concluded "as the average age of the population is increasing, many of us are looking nervously at ourselves or our parents. A responsible society would ensure that personal care would be free for those who need it, and that nobody would have to sell their home to receive it. It is increasingly important that we encourage older people to stay healthy, and that we provide for those who need it".