Adult Community Statistics 2008/09 published

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published the Adult Community Statistics 2008/09 for Northern Ireland.

The Adult Community Statistics publication shows activity data analysed by Programme of Care (POC). The publication includes comparisons over the past five years.

Key facts and figures

• At 31 March 2009, 21,039 people were in receipt of Home Help services, with over two thirds (69%) of these people aged 75 & over. This was 1,560 (7%) less than the number in receipt at the end of the previous year and 5,027 (19%) less than the number in receipt five years ago
• 5,171 people were in receipt of meals at 31 March 2009. This was 584 (10%) less than the number in receipt at the end of the previous year and 1,113 (18%) less than the number in receipt five years ago.
• 96% of people with sensory impairment (Blind, Partially Sighted and Hard of Hearing) who had contact with providers during 2008/09 were living in the community.
• At 31 March 2009, there were 12,049 people benefiting from residential care (34%) or nursing home care (66%) packages in Northern Ireland.

Elderly Care POC

• At 31 March 2009, there were 275 residential homes for elderly people in Northern Ireland providing 4,436 places.
• There were 9,485 elderly people in Northern Ireland benefiting from residential care (31%) or nursing home care (69%) packages at 31 March 2009.
• Over 80% (17,252) of people in receipt of a home help service were in the Elderly Care POC.

Mental Health POC

• At 31 March 2009, there were 35 residential homes solely for people designated mentally ill, providing 545 places.
• During 2008/09, there were 13,666 people designated mentally ill in contact with Trusts.
• At 31 March 2009, 759 people designated mentally ill were benefiting from residential care (51%) or nursing home care (49%) packages.

Learning Disability POC

• At 31 March 2009, there were 74 residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a learning disability providing 840 places.
• Between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009, 10,170 people with a learning disability were in contact with Trusts.
• There were 1,407 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland benefiting from residential care (52%) or nursing home care (48%) packages at 31 March 2009.

Physical Disability / Sensory Impairment POC

• At 31 March 2009, there were 3 residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a physical disability / sensory impairment, providing 52 places.
• 379 people with a physical disability / sensory impairment were benefiting from residential care (18%) or nursing home care (82%) packages at 31 March 2009.

Notes to Editors:

1. All publications are available online:

2. About the data:

Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 28 August 2009.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS. Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch,
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety,
Annexe 2, Castle Buildings,
Stormont, BT4 3SQ

Telephone: 02890 522804

E-mail:

Internet:

4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.