Ivan Lewis announces £67m to upgrade care homes

Care services minister Ivan Lewis today announced a £67m funding package to refurbish care homes across England.

Seven thousand care homes will receive the money as part of the government’s Dignity in Care campaign which aims to improve care services for elderly people.

The funding will be targeted on upgrading residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms, improving gardens and giving people access to the internet and email.

Lewis said: “Throughout the Department of Health’s Dignity in Care campaign I have heard how much dignity matters. I know how important it is for people living in care homes to have an environment they are happy in and that they proud to call home.”

Annie Stevenson, senior policy advisor at Help the Aged, said: “We are glad that this money will be spent with due consideration of the views of care home residents and best practice in design.

“However, improving the physical environment is only one piece of the jigsaw that delivers dignity and respect for the care of older people.”

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