Islanders to pay more to access residential care

Changes to how long-term care is funded in Guernsey aimed at stabilising and encouraging growth in the private care home market have been approved by States members.

Over the next 15 years the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to more than double in Guernsey with more than 130 new care home beds needed by 2030.

Currently islanders qualify for long-term care benefit and respite care benefit if they have been resident for five years, but this will be increased to 20 years.

The agreed changes to the Long-term Care Insurance Scheme (LCIS) include a new user-pays contribution of up to £10,000 and increasing co-payments.

The weekly payments will rise from £342.02 to £514.00 over a five-year phasing-in period beginning this year while the lump sum will be brought in at a later date.

Deputy Peter Roffey, President of Employment and Social Security, brought forward the proposals and said he was delighted they were approved.

"It was absolutely vital, otherwise we would have stood no chance at all of stabilising and expanding the care sector, which we desperately need."

He said accepting the proposals was the first step to creating a competitive market to meet demand and improving the pay of care workers.

"Recruiting and housing staff will be very difficult, but at least now we have the financial awards properly aligned with what they should be.

"It gives us a fighting chance of seeing expansion."

Deputy Al Brouard's amendment to increase the number of years someone must live in the island, before accessing financial help to pay for care, from five to 20 also passed.

A "sufficient connection" to the Bailiwick over that period will have to be demonstrated.

Roffey said he felt the qualification level was 'harsh' but he respected the decision of his colleagues.

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