Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Effect on Retirement Communities — [Clive Efford in the Chair]

01 July 2021 · 4 other contributors · 12,055 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Helen Whately

Social CareNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about covid-19: effect on retirement communities — [clive efford in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for retirement communities and residential homes, including issues with PPE availability and social isolation among residents.
  • The government provided support to the retirement housing sector by offering testing, PPE, and prioritizing vaccinations for frontline workers.
  • Plans are in place for an independent inquiry to address future pandemic readiness starting next spring.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister whether it is possible to fund research on how we can make retirement villages and extra care homes more effectively pandemic-ready. We must plan and prepare for future pandemics by ensuring that every retirement community has a plan in place to protect residents, workers, volunteers, and visitors.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Over the last year, the covid-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult for those in retirement communities and residential homes. There were issues for staff working without PPE material and protection early on, with families unable to visit due to lockdown measures. The virus had significant impacts on elderly populations who saw fewer benefits from digital solutions. Social isolation led to increased anxiety, depression, and loss of social support among the elderly population.

Other contributors (4)
  • Anum Qaisar-Javed SNP Airdrie and Shotts

    Acknowledged the importance of retired communities and highlighted the need for cross-party support. Emphasised the impact of social isolation during the pandemic, citing Age UK's report on tackling loneliness. Supported the Scottish Government's digital strategy to improve digital literacy among older people if they wish to do so. Mentioned Scotland's investment in social care, including free personal care for older people and plans for a national care service.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

    Clive Efford informed the Members of the new debate arrangements, advising that those participating virtually must keep their camera on throughout the debate and be unable to intervene. He also instructed physical participants to clean up their spaces at the end and wear masks at all times during the debate.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Praised the work of retirement villages in her constituency during the pandemic, highlighting Bagnall Heights as an example. She noted that these villages had a lower mortality rate from covid-19 and fewer cases compared to other facilities or community settings.

  • Liz Kendall Lab Leicester West

    Emphasised the importance of retirement communities in supporting independent living for older people and highlighted challenges faced during the pandemic, such as loneliness, isolation, and staff shortages. She noted that around 75,000 people live in retirement communities in the UK and mentioned concerns about long-term implications on residents' health and mobility due to reduced social interaction.

Government Response

Helen Whately

The Government has supported the retirement housing sector during the pandemic by providing testing, PPE, and prioritizing vaccinations for frontline workers. Infection rates were lower than expected due to effective measures taken by providers. Future readiness will be addressed through an independent inquiry beginning next spring. The minister also discussed social care reform proposals focusing on reviewing housing holistically to meet the needs of older people. Funding has been allocated for specialised housing, with 10% of MHCLG's affordable homes programme dedicated to specialist and supported housing.

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