§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the total amount paid for the care of elderly people in(a) residential homes and (b) nursing homes during each of the past 10 years;
(2) what is the total number of elderly persons currently in (a) residential homes and (b) nursing homes; and what was the comparable figure 10 years ago.
§ Mr. HanleyI shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.
545W
§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many elderly persons have had to vacate a residential home during the past year because of inability to pay.
§ Mr. HanleyThis information is not available.
§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the maximum weekly payment to support elderly persons in private residential homes and nursing homes in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyThe maximum amount of income support payable to elderly people in independent homes varies depending on the degree of care that the home is registered with the health and social services board to provide or the type of care actually required. The present limits are as follows:—
Residential Homes £ Age and infirmity 160.00 Elderly and blind or elderly and entitled to the higher rate of attendance allowance 185.00 Mental disorder 170.00 Drug or alcohol dependence 170.00 Mental handicap 195.00 Physical disablement— where disablement began under pensionable age 230.00 in any other case 160.00 Nursing Homes Mental disorder 255.00 Drug or alcohol dependence 255.00 Mental handicap 260.00 Terminal illness 275.00 Physical disablement—where disablement began under pensionable age 290.00 in any other case 255.00 Any other conditions 255.00 Personal expenses allowance for a single claimant 11.40