A Cumbrian council has launched a consultation about the future of care for older residents.
Westmorland & Furness Council wants to know people’s hopes and preferences for the care arrangements they would receive as they get older and may need more support to remain independent.
The authority said the feedback will help inform its future direction for its adult social care services.
Westmorland and Furness has an ageing population, with people aged 65 and over projected to rise 28% from 58,500 in 2021 to 75,000 in 2043.
The numbers of people living with advanced dementia also are going to rise significantly.
People in Furness, South Lakeland and Eden have until March 30 to take part.
Council staff will be out talking to people at supermarkets and community venues about the living choices and care decisions they may face in the future.
People are asked to think about:
- adaptations, technology and personal support to help people remain in their own home
- reablement support and intermediate care beds to help people return to their own home after a spell in hospital, or to prevent the need to go into hospital
- access to the right mix of affordable specialist housing offering support and care, such as sheltered housing and extra care housing
- modern residential care, with facilities and services that are fit for the future
- specialist support for people living with advanced dementia
There is also an online survey for residents and a separate survey for organisations involved in supporting older people in Westmorland and Furness.
Separate work is looking at provision for adults with physical or mental disabilities.
Following the community conversation and other research by the authority, the council’s cabinet will meet in July to consider the future strategy for its care services and decide future options, with a full public consultation to follow.
