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have carried out themselves and (in some cases) in the provision of nursing and intensive medical care. In the past, there was a general acceptance that such care would be provided by younger members of the institute and would, in the main, be available without the need for the aged member to move to
a residential or care establishment. Unfortunately, the age pro le of most institutes means that this traditional pattern is now almost impossible and religious institutes have to look to employing help, “buying in” care, developing their own specialist care units, or (reluctantly) seeking places for members in care homes operated by other charities, companies or the state.
While there are important nancial implications associated with caring for aged members, it is essential not to lose sight of the crucial emotional issues that must inform any decision and other related considerations that should not be forgotten such as:
Where do members wish to live in their later years?
How do members want to be cared for?
If members wish to be cared for by the institute, is this possible in all situations? For example, does the institute have the facilities and the personnel/staff to enable this? Will care within the institute be possible if dementia care is needed and issues such as security, stress on carers, safety considerations, specialist care, etc. are required?
Has each member of the institute signed a Will?
Have relatives and friends been consulted as to a member’s care needs,
his/her wishes on death, and so on?
Is it clear what will happen to any property or other assets being administered by the institute on behalf of a member in the case of serious illness and/or death?
The impact of the changes to the age pro le of religious institutes coupled with the changes that have occurred in the cost and funding of care in the United Kingdom have been signi cant. The cost of care for the aged and frail
is extremely expensive (particularly if nursing or specialist dementia care is needed) and considerable resources are needed if it is to be provided to an appropriate level and quality. Such resources can come from the institute itself, the state or a mixture of the two. However, it is very probable that in the years ahead the ability to obtain funding from the state will become more dif cult with thresholds for care funding being pushed higher and higher for all members of the public including religious. Therefore, it is essential that proper
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