An online film exploring the different ways Cumbria County Council can help the county’s growing population of older people maintain their independence for longer is released today.
In December, plans to look at how support for older people can be provided in future years were backed by the county council’s cabinet. The proposals, which place more attention on supporting people in their own homes, modern residential facilities and extra-care housing schemes, go before a meeting of the full council tomorrow (Thursday 18 January).
A series of local working groups will be asked to look at the way care is provided in each part of the county and report back to a steering group in the summer with suggestions on how more choice and independence can be provided for older people. A report with recomendations will be submitted to cabinet towards the end of the year.
Produced by the county council, the online film sets out some of the key issues the working groups will be asked to consider and is available to view on the county council’s website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/download.asp
The ten-minute film contrasts a typical Cumbria Care residential home, where residents share bathrooms and staff struggle to maneuver wheelchairs around cramped corridors and bedrooms, with the space and independence available in a nearby extra-care housing facility.
Extra-care combines the advantages of sheltered housing with the round-the-clock care provided in residential homes. People still have their own front door and are supported by a 24-hour on-site care and support team.
Attention in the film is also given to a residential home run by Lancashire County Council which has been upgraded to provide more space for staff to use essential equipment and en-suite bathrooms in each bedroom.
Councillor Oliver Pearson, cabinet member responsible for Adult Social Care in Cumbria, said: "How we meet the needs and aspirations of Cumbria’s growing number of older people is a challenge Cumbria County Council is determined to meet.
"Paradoxically this challenge comes from success; successes in medicine, nutrition and public health mean we are all living longer. Factor in Cumbria’s attraction as a retirement destination and it is easy to see why in 2028, one in three Cumbrians are expected to be of pensionable age.
"This is great news. But news which means that we have to think long and hard about how we can provide the sort of individual care and support older people increasingly want.
"This film is an innovative use of new technology to encourage more people to get involved int this important debate."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
The online film can be viewed following this link