- 21/06/2011
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Mid and West Wales AM, Joyce Watson has welcomed an announcement from the Welsh Labour Government to help older people remain in their homes.
The Care & Repair movement in Wales is to receive new funding of £1.5 million for Independent Living Grants to help older people in Wales remain safe and well in their own homes, Welsh Labour’s Housing Minister, Huw Lewis, has announced.
The £1.5million will be distributed to the twenty-two Care & Repair agencies in Wales and will be spent on home adaptations such as stair lifts and walk in showers. The objective of this grant is to help address ‘waiting lists’ for adaptations, to maximise independence and to help relieve pressures on hospital acute admissions and to help speed up hospital discharge.
Joyce Watson AM said:
“Older people in Mid & West Wales and across Wales want to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
“By providing help with small changes around the home Welsh Labour is helping older people remain in their own homes and easing the pressure on the NHS.
“I would encourage older people here in Mid & West Wales who think they may benefit from this funding to call Care & Repair on 0300 111 3333.”
Huw Lewis AM, Labour’s Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, added:
“Small changes can make a huge difference and that is especially true in the case of the Care and Repair service. Minor home adaptations can help a person remain in their home and live independently with the dignity they deserve.
“The service also helps ease pressures on health and residential care, preventing unnecessary stays in hospital or care homes.
“I am delighted that Welsh Government funds are being used to help make such a difference to people’s lives in Mid & West Wales”.
