Over the past few days there has been considerable discussion regarding the principle equitable access to university places for young people from a range of backgrounds. Those who come from less well off backgrounds should be able to go to Oxford and Cambridge and the established Russell group of universities and not be deterred by ability to pay. It brought to mind the issue of equity of access to residential homes for older people.
We pride ourselves at Parkhaven Trust that the fees for our homes are set at such a level that anyone can come irrespective of their ability to pay. Thus everyone has the opportunity to access the very best in residential care. With the cuts in public services and the changing assessment criteria, the financial burden of residential care will get more difficult for service users and their families.
In the midst of the debate about university education we should not forget the implications of these searing cuts for older people and their families and the importance of ensuring that all older people have equal access to the very best of residential care irrespective of their ability to pay. Equal access is as important for young people starting out on their life journeys as it is for people whose lives are coming to an end. It is a mark of a civilized society that we do support people well at this stage in their lives.
Hilary Rowland
Chief executive
10.3.11
We pride ourselves at Parkhaven Trust that the fees for our homes are set at such a level that anyone can come irrespective of their ability to pay. Thus everyone has the opportunity to access the very best in residential care. With the cuts in public services and the changing assessment criteria, the financial burden of residential care will get more difficult for service users and their families.
In the midst of the debate about university education we should not forget the implications of these searing cuts for older people and their families and the importance of ensuring that all older people have equal access to the very best of residential care irrespective of their ability to pay. Equal access is as important for young people starting out on their life journeys as it is for people whose lives are coming to an end. It is a mark of a civilized society that we do support people well at this stage in their lives.
Hilary Rowland
Chief executive
10.3.11
Kyffin Taylor House
