PKC schemes to deal with elderly population

May 21 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

COUNCILLORS this week sanctioned a raft of measures to help deal with an imminent surge in Perthshire’s elderly population.

A pair of reports, considered this week by Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health committee, set out proposals for re-shaping the local authority’s existing schemes for old folks.

It is estimated that the number of people aged over 65 living in the area is expected to increase by 74 per cent by 2031, higher than the national figure of 61 per cent.

Convener Peter Barrett said: “It is important that we take action now to have services in place that can provide support for all older people who need it, when they need it.”

The initiatives focus on housing adaptations and a process dubbed “re-ablement”.

Cllr Barrett explained the two strategies would allow older people with poor physical or mental health to live more independently in their own homes.

Elected members were assured the level of council-led care provided would be matched to each person’s needs and wishes.

Proposals range from installing aids and adaptations into existing housing stock, to increasing investment in care units over the next 10 to 15 years.