Role of state in local care home market

Capacity to influence market understood

Government will continue to operate residential care homes for the Island's elderly - to ensure they remain within reach of those on low incomes.

That message from social care chiefs, currently awaiting planning permission for a new purpose-built, 60-bed home in Douglas.

If approved, the facility - equipped to meet complex needs and including a specialist dementia unit - will be built on the site of the former Glenside centre on Glencrutchery Road.

Although future provision may involve private sector developers, the proposed new unit is a government project. 

Director of adult social services Cath Hayhow says the state needs to remain a player in the market - as the ageing population grows: