Category Archives: Older care

Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed

October 30, 2012   Carers, charities, Older care

PENSIONERS have formed their own lunch clubs which helps carers

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Isle of Thanet Gazette

Minnis Day Centre in Birchington is the sole remaining publicly run centre in Thanet. Some people have stopped attending after being hit by charges of up to £45 per day.

  1. TUCK IN: New lunch club members enjoyed a value for money meal

    TUCK IN: New lunch club members enjoyed a value for money meal

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Carer Barry Hardy, 85, set up a club because he cannot afford the new charges to take his wife Kay to the centre.

Following talks between users and KCC, Mr Hardy decided to organise a club to give carers and pensioners a place to gather that did not break the bank.

Mr Hardy said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw the bill. For £30 a day, a hotel could provide breakfast, lunch and dinner so it’s hard to see where the money would go.

“It gives the carers a break as they know their loved ones will be looked after.

“For those that live alone, they can enjoy a home-cooked meal and some company.”

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£300m pot for independent living opens

October 29, 2012   Cancer, Carers, disability, DOH, Older care

29 October 2012 | By Rhiannon Bury

Bidding has opened for a £300 million pot aimed to help older people and adults with disabilities find affordable homes.

The care and support specialised housing fund, launched today by minister for care Norman Lamb, marks the first time that the Homes and Communities Agency has run such a programme on behalf of the Department of Health.

The HCA will administer £240 million of the fund. A further £60 million will be administered by the Greater London Authority.

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Care homes given five star ratings fail key standards

October 28, 2012   Carers, Older care

28 October 2012 Last updated at 01:28

Care homes given five star ratings fail key standards

By Hannah Barnes Reporter, 5 live Investigates

Care home Concerns have been raised about the consistency of independent assessments of care homes.

Care homes with five-star ratings are receiving premium fees despite not meeting essential standards set out by the care regulator.

Local authorities pay higher fees to care homes awarded top ratings.

But critics say this is a “cheque book system” open to any home prepared to pay for a rating.

The Care Quality Commission advises people to visit homes and check their most recent CQC inspection report before making a decision on care.

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