Published: Thursday, 13th March, 2008 12:15pm

The old question...

by Steve McElroy

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HELENSBURGH faces an elderly population explosion by 2020 which could put a serious strain on social services.

By then, it is reckoned there will be an increase of 39 per cent of people over 65 years - and Argyll and Bute Council is having to reappraise its services to cope with the increasing demand.

A consultation exercise to find out what kind of services people want has been taking place through the area, involving service users, carers, providers and representatives of individuals or community groups.

A drop-in meeting held in Helensburgh"s Victoria Halls on Monday attracted only nine people, but other meetings in the town have had larger numbers. The idea was to let those, who had been unable to attend the previous meetings, know about the proposals and allow them to express their views and find out what options will be available.

In conjunction with Argyll and Bute Community Health Partnership, a joint plan for the future development of older people services has been drawn up which will lead to the modernisation and redesign of services. The main services in question are: day services for older people; home care services; care homes; services for those affected by dementia; and progressive care centres. Attending was Sandra Grier, who is in charge of the team for older people"s services, and Douglas Boynton, who is carrying out the consultation process.

He explained: 'The council feels that people should be either in their own home or in a home care setting and that people should not be living in hospitals, except those who suffer from severe forms of dementia. They are looking at the advantages of private companies providing services which would be better and cheaper to provide and allow the council"s money to go further, including providing day care facilities and build up community support.

'The council decided to consult with people because it is important as it is going to affect people for a number of years. We will be pulling a variety of opinions together and we have a reasonable idea what people want to have in the future.

'It is important for people to have their say, and their opinions will direct the way the council"s services will be provided. It"s not about making cuts, it"s about making money go further and provide more home care services.'

At a meeting of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, Douglas Hunter, Area Manager Adult Care (Resources), said he expected more elderly people to be able to stay at home.

He said: 'We are not looking to put people in care but we have to look at helping more people in their home and we will require more staff to support them.'

He stressed that no decisions had been taken on a document entitled "Future Services for Older People Consultation and Communication Strategy" but once there has been a feedback from residents the options will be submitted to the council in June for them to move forward.

Councillor Ellen Morton said: 'So much of Helensburgh and Lomond is provided privately by services. We have no council-run homes and there are a number of sheltered houses which are also private.'

Councillor Gary Mulvaney said the situation was 'open-ended' with 'all options on the table.'

Councillor Vivien Dance said that at a recent meeting to discuss the Jeannie Deans Unit, respite and day care services were high on the agenda.