§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) which local authorities in Scotland operate a waiting list for old people's homes; and what is the size of such waiting lists;
(2) what methods are used by local authorities in Scotland who do not operate waiting lists to assess demand for part IV accommodation; and what is their current assessment of such demand.
§ Mr. FairgrievePractice varies with regard to the operation of waiting lists for old people's homes and other methods of assessing demand, and detailed information on these matters is not available centrally. In providing residential accommodation local authorities have regard to certain target figures and to the particular needs of their areas, which may be assessed by local surveys. Authorities are also exploring ways in which old people can be assisted to maintain their independence in their own homes.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many places in old people's homes local authorities have at present, by authority (a) under construction and (b) in planning stage; and what is the current timetable of starts for those in category (b) above;
(2) what plans exist for homes for the elderly confused currently under construction or in the planning stage.
§ Mr. FairgrieveThe number of places in local authority old people's homes currently under construction is as follows:
Central 30 Fife 116 Grampian 30 Highland 70 Lothian 40 Strathclyde 52 Western Isles 24 362 Many such projects included in local authorities' 1978 financial plans are at an early stage of planning, with projected starting dates from 1979–80 to 1983–84; information regarding the number of places is not available. It has not been 186W the policy of authorities to provide homes solely for the elderly confused and there are no plans to build any. Some elderly people with mild mental disability are accommodated in residential homes for the elderly.