Birmingham’s Homes Plan For Older People

Birmingham’s housing department is in the process of developing a 15-year housing plan for older people. The Commission for Social Care Inspection produced its annual report where projections indicate a rise of 54% in number of older people with a high-level care requirement.

It says that while national social care services are gradually improving more choice and control is still needed.

John Payne, Partnership Director for The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, said: “Nationally, it’s a challenging climate for care providers, yet Birmingham City Council and The ExtraCare Charitable Trust are planning ahead and innovating.”

Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The realisation of our aspirations here in Birmingham for the first retirement village is getting closer. “The decision will be welcomed by the thousands of residents who have expressed an interest in the scheme, with hundreds hoping to secure a home there in the next few years.

“This is a very exciting time for the city. This development is testimony to our continuing commitment to improve housing and related services for older people and strengthen the council’s priority to offer choice and options for independent living.”

Meanwhile, Health minister Ivan Lewis is to visit a Birmingham care home as he announces details of a summit to consider ways to improve nutritional standards for people in care. Mr Lewis, the parliamentary under secretary of state for care services, will visit a residential home in the Newtown area which offers buffet-style breakfasts.

As well as highlighting as best practice Birmingham City Council’s announcement that they are to appoint a nutritionist to specifically focus on food standards for older people, Mr Lewis will be revealing details of a national summit bringing together nutrition experts from various groups.

“Ensuring every older person has a balanced healthy diet is a key element of our national campaign to put dignity and respect at the heart of care services for older people,” the minister said.