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Just over a million pounds of funding for West Sussex care homes |
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Written by coder
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Saturday, 02 June 2007 |
The quality of life for older people in West Sussex care homes will improve as a result of a refurbishment fund worth just over £1 million from the Department of Health.
Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis announced the funding on Wednesday May 30. The money is part of the Government’s dignity campaign, which aims to place dignity and respect at the heart of caring for older people.
County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Pat Arculus welcomed the funding. “This will help make a real difference to the quality of life of people in 194 care homes across the county.
“We need to ensure our older residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and the refurbishment fund will help provide better surroundings and facilities for many care homes, from the building of conservatories to providing modern information technology links, to enabling residents to make better use of care home gardens.
“Many ideas were submitted for the funding and I look forward to seeing the completed projects across the county.”
In West Sussex the funding was agreed and allocated by a small panel comprising West Sussex Adults’ Services, Age Concern (representing the interests of older people) and West Sussex Forum (representing care home proprietors). Priority was given to imaginative proposals which will benefit the maximum number of older people living in care homes.
The County Council acted as coordinator for all bids, then submitting a bid for the total amount to the Department of Health.
Improvements will directly benefit residents, such as:
· Construction of a conservatory for residents to enjoy
· Improving gardens or outside spaces used by residents to encourage outdoor exercise and interests
· Upgrading dining rooms, lounges and bathrooms
· Alterations that would give residents greater privacy
· Providing information technology that benefits residents, such as access to internet and e-mail
Ivan Lewis said: “Through the Department of Health’s Dignity in Care campaign I have heard how much dignity matters. I know how important it is for people living in care homes to have an environment they are happy in and that they are proud to call home.
“By distributing this funding to 194 care homes in West Sussex, and to 7,000 throughout England, we are able to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people and their families.
“This supports the excellent work of health and care professionals, the voluntary and independent sectors and carers – both family and paid – who work passionately together every day to continually improve the lives of older people.”
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 June 2007 )
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