Covid-19 Coronavirus

Focus groups seek members for social care funding debate

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

If you or a loved one needs nursing care in old age, how will it be paid for? Will government foot the bill or should we save for our own care? Should compulsory private care insurance be introduced, and is a social care levy a sensible option? 

Island residents from all walks of life are invited to give their views on the future funding of nursing and residential care at a series of focus groups this month. The groups will be asked to do some ‘blue sky’ thinking, to help government consider how it can best provide for a growing population of older people.    

Three focus group sessions will be held at Keyll Darree in the grounds of Noble’s Hospital on Tuesday 27 March, and organisers are especially keen to involve people aged between 16 and 50. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Clare McDonough on +44 1624 642646.

A government working group is currently exploring options for funding nursing and residential care. Its chair, Minister for Policy and Reform Chris Thomas MHK said:

‘Funding long-term nursing and residential care is an important and ever more pressing matter. We need to be realistic about what we can expect government to provide, so it’s vital public debate on this issue is widened and that we engage those who haven’t yet given thought to their old age.’ 

He added:

‘Feedback from the focus groups will help shape government thinking about the different funding models available. We welcome ideas from those taking part.’ 

A Tynwald committee examined the issue in detail and made a number of recommendations in its final report in 2016. Several focus groups were subsequently formed to consider options, involving a range of interested parties including third sector organisations and local businesses. An event at the Manx Legion Club in January heard a range of views from the public on the funding of nursing and residential care, many from people currently in retirement or nearing pension age. 

The number of people aged 60+ is growing at a faster rate than the island’s population as whole, and the government’s recent White Paper ‘Meeting Our Population Challenges’ forecasts the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by at least 30% by 2036. The ‘super elderly’ group, those aged 85+, is expected to grow at approximately the same rate. 

The Minister continued:

‘Current expenditure on nursing and residential care through Income Support is almost £20 million per year - and costs are set to rise. We must ask ourselves to what extent the care should be funded by users or their relatives.  Our latest population research shows a growing trend for older people to remain in their own homes. This is an inter-generational issue, and those at the start of their working lives have a major stake in decisions we make now. 

He concluded:

‘We want to hear from young people, to ensure vibrant and representative focus groups consider a key issue for the whole community: what contribution should the state make to funding long-term care?’  

The latest focus group sessions will be hosted by officers from DHSC Adult Social Care and Treasury’s Social Security Division and are open to residents aged 16 and over. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact organisers to book a place as soon as possible.

Issued By

Back to top