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Care home leaders and older people's charities have claimed a census of over 30,000 residents proves the need for a flourishing residential care sector to cater for highly dependent people.

The UK-wide census, produced by CCC, a coalition of care providers, older people's charities, private firms and council leaders, found 72 per cent of residents were immobile or reliant on assistance to get around. Almost one-quarter were immobile, incontinent and affected by confusion.

CCC chairman Dr Clive Bowman, also medical director at Bupa Care Services, said: "Policy-makers and commissioners must take careful notice of the needs of people for whom independent living is not possible."

Stephen Burke, chief executive of CCC member Counsel and Care, said: "Care homes meet needs which are very difficult to manage in a domestic setting."