Government announces new funding for care homes

The Department of Health has announced the provision of a refurbishment fund of 67 million pounds to improve the physical condition of 7,000 care homes in England.

As part of the dignity campaign set out by the government, this money will be spent on replacing worn-out carpets and other floor coverings, upgrading dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms and the enhancement of outdoor spaces used by care home residents.

Other refurbishment activities will include the provision of internet access to residents and alteration to care home grounds to give residents greater privacy.

Ivan Lewis, care services minister, said: “By distributing this funding to almost 7,000 care homes throughout England we are able to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people and their families.”

He added that this fund would aid the work of healthcare professionals and social care workers in all sectors, including both those who are paid and voluntary workers.

Annie Stevenson, a senior policy adviser at Help the Aged expressed the charity’s support for this funding, while calling for increased investment in the workforce at care homes to improve morale and boost the dignity of residents.

Last week, the government published plans for new healthcare sites that will use hi-tech equipment to enhance the independence in everyday life felt by elderly patients with long-term medical conditions.