If you or a loved one needs nursing care in old age, how will it be paid for?

This is just one of many questions to be discussed by island residents, who are invited to give their opinions on the future funding of nursing and residential care during a series of focus groups this month.

Three focus group sessions will be held at Keyll Darree in Noble’s Hospital on Tuesday, March 27, where members will be asked to do some ’blue-sky’ thinking, to help government consider how it can best provide for a growing population of older people.

A government working group is currently looking at options for funding nursing and residential care.

Its chair, Minister for Policy and Reform Chris Thomas MHK, said: ’Funding long-term nursing and residential care is an important and ever more pressing matter.

’We need to be realistic about what we can expect government to provide, so it’s vital public debate on this issue is widened and that we engage those who haven’t yet given thought to their old age.’

He added: ’Feedback from the focus groups will help shape government thinking about the different funding models available. We welcome ideas from those taking part.’

A Tynwald committee examined the issue in detail and made a number of recommendations in its final report in 2016. Several focus groups were later formed to consider options, involving third sector organisations and local businesses.

During the event at the Manx Legion Club in January, a range of views from the public were heard on the funding, many from people currently in retirement or nearing pension age.

The number of people aged 60 and over is growing at a faster rate than the island’s population as whole.

The government’s recent White Paper ’Meeting Our Population Challenges’ shows the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by at least 30% by 2036. The ’super elderly’ group, those aged 85 and over, is expected to grow at approximately the same rate.

The Minister continued: ’Current expenditure on nursing and residential care through Income Support is almost £20 million per year - and costs are set to rise.

’We must ask ourselves to what extent the care should be funded by users or their relatives. Our latest population research shows a growing trend for older people to remain in their own homes. This is an inter-generational issue, and those at the start of their working lives have a major stake in decisions we make now.

He concluded: ’We want to hear from young people, to ensure vibrant and representative focus groups consider a key issue for the whole community: what contribution should the state make to funding long-term care?’

The latest focus group sessions, which are open to residents aged 16 and over, are to be hosted by officers from DHSC Adult Social Care and Treasury’s Social Security Division.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Clare McDonough on 642646.