Charities subsidise older people’s care

Charities that run care homes for older people
are paying significant sums towards the costs because of a
shortfall in government funding.

Charitable support for state funded older
people rose by 19 per cent during 2000-1 according to a report by
Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for older people.

The report, Cap in Hand, shows that
on average charitable care homes subsidise 51 per cent of their
residents with an average weekly top up payment of some £106
per resident. It is estimated that charities are contributing
around £185m a year towards the care of older people.

The report suggests that subsidising
state-funded places cannot be sustained and that voluntary sector
providers are using reserves and closing homes to cope with the
pressures. The findings are based on a survey of 14 charities
including Help the Aged and the Salvation Army.

– To view Cap in Hand visit: www.paulburstow.com