08 October 2007 - Community statistics for 2006/07 published

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

Key facts and figures

• At 31 March 2007, 23,913 people were in receipt of Home Help services, with over two thirds (69%) of these people aged 75 and over.
• 6,670 people were in receipt of meals at 31 March 2007.
• 95% of people with a sensory impairment (blind, partially sighted, and hard of hearing) who had contact with providers during 2006/07 were living in the community.
• At 31 March 2007 there were 20,723 people benefiting from care management in Northern Ireland. Just over two fifths (8,419) of these were supported in their own homes.
• Between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2007, the number of people benefiting from care management increased by 9%, from 19,003 to 20,723 respectively.

Elderly Care POC

• At 31 March 2007, there were 189 residential homes for elderly people in Northern Ireland, providing 3,945 places.
• There were 15,194 elderly people in Northern Ireland benefiting from care management at 31 March 2007, over two fifths (6,444) of whom were in nursing homes.
• Over 80% (19,599) of people in receipt of a home help service were in the Elderly Care POC.

Mental Health POC

• At 31 March 2007 there were 47 residential homes solely for people designated mentally ill, providing 602 places.
• During 2006/07 there were 14,990 people designated mentally ill in contact with Trusts.
• At 31 March 2007 1,273 people designated mentally ill were benefiting from care management.
• Learning Disability POC
• At 31 March 2007 there were 75 residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a learning disability, providing 1,005 places.
• Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 9,459 people with a learning disability were in contact with Trusts.
• There were 2,555 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland benefiting from care management at 31 March 2007, almost two-fifths (1,006) of whom were being supported in their own homes.

Physical Disability / Sensory Impairment POC

• At 31 March 2007 there were four residential homes in Northern Ireland solely for people with a physical disability / sensory impairment, providing 64 places.
• 1,550 people with a physical disability / sensory impairment were benefiting from care management at 31 March 2007, three quarters of whom were being supported in their own homes.

Notes to Editors:

1. All publications are available on line at:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/stats-cib_pubs.htm

2. About the data

Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSS Trusts up to 28 September 2007.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.

Further information is available from:

4. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440.