News

Funding of £60 million for councils to help older people live independently longer was announced by the government today, writes Clare Jerrom.

Stephen Ladyman

The Partnerships for Older People Projects grant aims to encourage councils together with the NHS, local government, voluntary and community sector partners to work together to devise innovative ways to support older people in healthy living.

Health minister Stephen Ladyman said: “Nearly 50 per cent of all hospital admissions are of older people and many of these are avoidable.”

“Working proactively to give care in a community setting enables older people to maintain their independence and quality of life, and reduces the need for hospital or high intensity care,” he added.

Successful projects may contain ideas to be outlined in the adult social care green paper.