SOCIAL services bosses in Poole have hit back at claims that the borough is the worst in the country at providing home care for the elderly.

A report published by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) showed that, against a national average of nine per cent of over 65s receiving help to live at home, the figure for Poole stood at just four per cent.

The results have been called "appalling" by Age Concern, but Borough of Poole claims its services have significantly improved since the figures used in the report were compiled.

The CSP said its report showed that too many elderly people were living in expensive care centres when they wanted to be in their own homes.

It called on Borough of Poole to take urgent action to meet the growing demand for service provision in the area.

But John Dermody, head of adult social services commissioning for the council, said a recent review by the Commission for Social Care Inspection showed the borough had done well in promoting independence for older people. The report said the numbers of people helped to live at home had improved significantly and that the council demonstrated good performance in helping older people, he added.

Mr Dermody said: "In 2003-04, in relation to helping older people live at home our performance improved to providing 84 out of every 1,000 persons aged 65-plus with assistance to help them maintain their independ-ence and continue living in their own homes.

"An example of this is that we increased our meal delivery service from three days a week to seven."

He said the authority was "committed to supporting frail older people in their own homes with intensive home care". Fewer older people were going into residential and nursing homes than in other authorities, he added.

Age Concern director general Gordon Lishman said it was "appalling" that home care services varied so dramatically from region to region.

He added: "Physio-therapy, support with shopping, and help when leaving hospital can make the difference between an independent life and a life in a care home."

More than 670 people over the age of 65 currently receive home care from Borough of Poole, which runs its services from 7.30am to 10.30pm seven days a week and also has a night service.

There are special services for older people with dementia and with disabilities as well as short-term services for people recently discharged from hospital.

These services include washing, shopping, dressing and helping people with meals.

MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole Annette Brooke pledged action.

She added:" I'm really surprised by these figures and I shall be writing to the chief executive immediately to make sure that my constituents are getting a fair deal."

First published: Oct 9