Plans for extra 2,480 care places

An extra 2,480 care places are planned in Norfolk as part of a long-term strategy to deal with the increasing number of people aged 85 and over.

Norfolk County Council's adult social services review panel will be asked to approve the plan.

The number of people aged 85 and over in Norfolk is projected to increase by 54% by 2020.

The panel will also look at current standards of accommodation in the light of older people's expectations in 2020.

County council members will be asked at a meeting on 29 September to support a plan to draw up detailed proposals on how best to provide the extra 2,480 care places.

Long-term strategy

A recent feasibility study revealed that refurbishment of county council residential homes for older people would cost £60m to give en-suite facilities.

This would, however, lead to either a reduction in the numbers of care places, or the creation of rooms or bathrooms which are not accessible to wheelchair users.

Chris Mowle, cabinet member for adult social services, said: "Norfolk is facing a massive increase in demand for different types of residential care alongside an ever tightening budget.

"We cannot sit back and do nothing about this. As a commissioning organisation we are responsible for providing a comprehensive long-term strategy for residential care homes to ensure that we can meet future needs."