Byrne launches scheme to keep older people at home longer

Councils can now apply to run pilot preventive services for older people, in the second phase of a government initiative.

Care services minister Liam Byrne today gave further details of Partnerships for Older People projects, launched last year. The scheme helps keep older people out of residential care and hospital.

The government is offering £18.5 million ring-fenced funding during 2007/08 for “truly integrated preventive approaches” by up to 12 local authority-led partnerships.

National director for older people’s health professor Ian Philp said, “I am particularly keen to see projects funded in this phase which address the contribution and needs of family carers and those which involve a major contribution from voluntary sector organisations.”

“Older people have told us that they want to be cared for in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, and these projects will help them to do just that,” said Byrne.

The first 19 Partnerships for Older People projects open in May this year.

Guidance for councils interested in bidding for funding click here