Friday is not pay day

nursinhome

More than half the state-supported residents in nursing and residential homes for older people may not be receiving their full weekly personal expenses allowance of £16.05 according to a study which was released on Friday 14 December 2001 by Help the Aged entitled Friday is Pay Day. In addition, the amount is considered by many to be one that a younger generation would decry.

Difficulties in managing on this sum for toiletries, clothes, chiropody, hairdressing and even their daily newspaper are reported as are trips and outings from the home. Many are angry that they have to pay, for example, for having their feet treated, while others are upset that they lack the freedom to make everyday choices and cannot afford gifts or Christmas presents.

In some cases where the full allowance is not given to the resident, it is used to make up for a shortfall in the home's fees. In other instances, relatives use it to buy residents' clothes. Some residents are not even aware of their entitlement.

Help the Aged believes strongly that £16.05 is a derisory amount on which older people should manage and that it is poor practice for anyone to withhold this entitlement against a resident's home fees.

The charity is calling for:

  • an immediate increase in the personal expenses allowance to £20 and an annual review to keep the entitlement to a realistic level
  • clarification on the range of items the personal expenses allowance is intended to cover, and additional help for those with few savings
  • strong guidance from the government on best practice
    - to ensure the personal expenses allowance is an absolute right for residents
    - to make certain that a resident's personal expenses allowance is not withheld
    - to forge active links with community groups to further support residents
    - to ensure that the design and location of future homes allow access for residents to everyday facilities
  • measures by the government to promote the financial independence of older people living in homes.


 

Have your say...

Be the first to leave your comment.

Send To A Friend Send To A Friend

Printer Friendly Printer Friendly

Add Page To Favorites Add Page To Favorites

Back to the top Back to the top

Become a 50connect Member

Green Issues With Michael Wale

Ptarmigan could be in danger

Some British Birds In Danger

Michael Wale talks with an academic who has spent a year and a half identifying which British birds could be endanger in the future.

Spotlight

Meet 50connect's Columnists

From relationship advice to environmental issues; life as an ex-pat living in France and the highs and lows of going back to study; read the latest from our regular contributors.