Are retirement villages the answer for the ageing population?
The social care system is often said to be in crisis. Thousands of people each year sell their homes to pay for the care that the state is struggling to provide. Could retirement villages be the solution for some?
Leslie and Joanne Wolfendale, both aged 89, talk about their experience of Willicombe Park Retirement Village in Tunbridge Wells
Leslie Wolfendale is quite clear. The 89-year-old describes the move to Willicombe Park Retirement Village in Kent three years ago as the “best move we have ever made.”
“We have lived all over – Berkshire, Cheshire and south Wales. But we have never regretted moving here.”
Leslie and his wife, Joanne, moved to the village, which boasts 67 one- and two-bedroom properties, a gym, swimming pool and restaurant, from south Wales where he had worked as a managing director of a manufacturing company.
State-funded elderly care declining, Labour figures suggest
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Freedom of Information responses from 121 councils showed they provided free care to 59,056 over 65s in 2011-12, down from 66,342 in 2009-10.
The drop comes despite the rise in over-65s due to the ageing population.
Campaigners said it proved the system needed urgent reform – something ministers say they are looking to do.
Labour asked all 153 councils that have responsibility for providing free care at home and in care homes a series of FOI questions.
Carers needing better support
Carers needing better support
Bolton West MP Julie Hilling is calling for better support for the UK’s six million unpaid carers
Ms Hilling has teamed up with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips to launch this year’s Carers Week (June 18 to 24).
The theme for Carers Week 2012 is ‘In sickness and in health’ recognising the strain families are under as they see services cut back. It calls for better financial and practical support for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities.
The Atherton-based MP said: “I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I want to let them know that there are services out there to help them. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”
