2
full demand for 24 centres (roughly 1 centre for every
250,000 population) by 1990. In addition social centres
for the elderly are planned on the basis of one for 30,000
of the general population. On present plans, the total
estimated requirement of 204 centres by 1995 should be met
provided the necessary resources can be made available.
3.
For those whose primary need is decent accommod-
ation, a variety of arrangements exist in both public and
private housing, the latter financed from the Gold Coin
Suspense Account. In addition there are some 1,400 places
in hostels operated by welfare agencies, with a further
2,000 places planned over the next ten years.
1.
4.
Plans for the provision of homes for the aged
(including hostels which provide meals) and for care and
attention homes are based on ratio of ten places per
thousand and four places per thousand people over 60
respectively. On this basis our present plans provide
for the shortfall in both these areas to be met by 1990.
The Director of Social Welfare is however reviewing
these ratios to establish whether they are still appropriate.
5.
For infirmaries the planning ratio is 5 beds for
every 1,000 people over 65. Plans are to expand the
present total of 1,060 infirmary beds threefold during
the next ten years. In addition there will be geriatric
/wards.