Total of older people in Monmouthshire set to double by 2030 (From Free Press Series)

Total of older people in Monmouthshire set to double by 2030

6:10pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News

THE number of people aged over 85 in Monmouthshire in expected to more than double by 2030.

A performance report on older people, due to go before the county council’s Adults Select Committee this week, predicts a 114 per cent increase in the over 85 age group in less than 20 years time, while the number aged over 65 is due to rise by nearly half at 49 per cent.

As a result, Monmouthshire council is considering new ways to deliver services and to achieve a more independent population.

The rate of older people in residential or nursing care in Monmouthshire is consistently the lowest in Wales, while the number helped to live at home has decreased slightly.

The council says to make older people more independent, teams of health and social care professionals must work to regain their confidence, mobility and health.

Three teams in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth are working with older people when they first need help, following a fall or time in hospital.

Out of 701 people who used the service last year, 51.6 per cent did not need long term care and could get back to living their own lives.

A service which aims to prevent people being admitted to hospital or residential care if they can stay in their own properties is expected to face much greater demand over the next few years.

The Adult Service division is forecasting a budget overspend of £249,193 for 2012/13, partly due to extra pressure on Community Care.

Members of the Adults Select Committee are asked to explore areas they feel have lacked progress at the meeting today.