Cost of elderly care models 'higher than expected'

Two new funding models for nursing, residential and home have been explored

A review of proposed new models of funding elderly care found the costs were "much higher than originally anticipated", the health minister has said.

The Department of Health and Social Care carried out the probe into the Isle of Man's nursing, residential and home care funding after a consultation showed support for changes

That found 93% of the 1,227 respondents backed a move away from the current funding model, which sees those with assets pay for their care.

Health Minister Claire Christian said the higher costs were due to updated population data and an indication from both Jersey and Scotland that demand for state-funded care could "increase significantly under new eligibility rules".

Although Ms Christian noted that the public had "made it clear that establishing a long-term financial sustainable model is essential", she told the members of the House of Keys it was "only feasible as part of a whole system approach".

'Asset protection

That included work on frailty and falls, which was already underway, home first community geriatricians, digital support for independence, and alternative housing options, which aimed to "reduce reliance on high cost institutional care," she said.

Two funding models have been explored as part of the work, including free personal care - which was an NHS-style model where care was provided at no charge, regardless of someone's income or assets.

The second option being considered was the Mixed Model, in which those with assets above a threshold would have to pay for their own care up to a capped amount.

MHK Jason Moorhouse questioned whether it would still be possible to support more people on middle income levels under the proposals.

Christian said both of the proposed models offered "more predictable costs, greater asset protection and clearer rules than the current system," but the level of support for middle earners would depend on policy choices such as eligibility and personal care definition.

A report summarising the findings of the department's review, along with Treasury's analysis of national insurance and income tax as potential funding options, was set to go to the Council of Ministers in December, she said.

If no changes were required, the work would be submitted for Tynwald debate in January.