§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the total in real terms of assets sold by old people to pay for residential care in each of the last five years; and what was in each case the percentage change from the previous year; [16435]
274W(2) how many people sold their homes to pay for residential care in 1995–96; and what estimate he has made for the number in 1996–97; [16436]
(3) how many people. having sold their assets to pay for residential care, exhausted their funds in the last year for which figures are available; and how many such people remained in the same residential home. [16438]
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of(a) over-65s and (b) over-80s need residential care. [16437]
§ Mr. BowisInformation available centrally relates to people receiving residential care in residential care homes. At 31 March 1995, in England, the number of residents in such accommodation aged 65 and over was 220,400, 75 and over 195,700 and 85 and over 118,900 representing 2.9, 5.8, and 13.8 per cent. of the relevant mid-1994 populations respectively.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision exists to assist elderly people who have sold all their assets and subsequently exhaust their funds to remain in the same residential home. [16434]
§ Mr. BowisSince April 1993, local authorities have had a responsibility to arrange accommodation in residential care and nursing homes for elderly people who, for whatever reason, are assessed as needing such care but are unable to meet the cost. Such people have the right to choose which home this care is provided in, subject to availability, cost and appropriateness of the home to the level of care needed.