An innovative new way of covering care costs could keep a World War Two veteran in his home, after an outpouring of public support.
Robbie Clark, 96, who survived the Nazi death march across Europe in 1945, hit the headlines earlier this month after it was feared he could be forced to move house because the council could no longer afford to cover costs for the level of care he was receiving.
Over £13,000 was raised for Clark through a Help for Heroes backed online campaign, while around 187,000 people signed a petition called for him to remain in his residence.
Brent Council has now proposed a new solution to maintain support for Clark, which would see the veteran not having to pay a penny for his live-in carer during his lifetime.
The ‘deferred payment’ approach that only became available to local authorities at the beginning of this month would enable Brent to cover the costs of additional care through the proceeds of the sale of Clark’s property.
Brent Council is awaiting a response from Clark’s family on the funding plan, with final details set to be finalised next week.
Phil Porter, Brent Council’s director of adult social care, said: ‘Our offer means Mr Clark can stay in his own home and receive the care which he wants, through a live in carer. He won’t have to worry about the cost, but neither will tax-payers have to foot all the bill.’
Responding to the move, chief executive of older people’s charity Independent Age, Janet Morrison, said: 'We are delighted to hear the case has been resolved and that Mr Clark will be able to stay in his own home. It highlights that the wellbeing of an individual is paramount. It should also be a reminder that in fact councils now have a duty under the new Care Act to always consider an individual’s wellbeing when they make decisions about where someone wants to receive their care.'
Update:
After publication of this story, Independent Age said they had heard from Mr Clark's son that there has been no resolution with the council. Janet Morrison, chief executive, said: 'We are sorry to learn that, contrary to last week’s statement by Brent Council and subsequent media coverage, there is no resolution of the situation regarding the care of 96-year-old Robbie Clark. Mr Clark is a war veteran who wants to receive care in his own home rather than move to a care home. We hope that the situation can be resolved as soon as possible.'
