AFTER the recent closure of another care home in the Blackburn area -- something becoming all too common -- we are likely to see many more, driven primarily by the Government's directive to social services departments that the number of frail, elderly people allowed the choice of residential care must be reduced.

Councillor Sue Reid, executive member for Blackburn with Darwen Social Services, says "More people choose to stay in their own homes with visiting carers."

Although many elderly people wish to keep their independence for as long as possible, this does not mean that they should be prevented from choosing quality residential or nursing care where appropriate.

One of the main reasons for homes closing is this government directive which, in Blackburn with Darwen's case, means a target of a further 46 per cent reduction in admissions of older people into residential and nursing care over the next four years.

This does not include the 17 per cent reduction in admissions already made during the last 12 month period. Lancashire County Council is targeted with a 15 per cent reduction over three years.

These dramatic reductions in admissions and the uneconomic fee levels paid for 24-hour residential and nursing care will cause the closure of more good quality homes.

This is not about choice, it is about the restriction of choice for frail elderly people, often socially isolated and depressed, and their families who deserve the right to have the option of residential care.

Unfortunately, social service departments are in a no-win situation with enormous pressure placed on them by government to achieve these targets.

They are aware that many homes offering a quality service are very near closure and are working to put initiatives in place that will, hopefully, help support those homes which can demonstrate that they provide a good quality of care.

F HESSEY (Chairman, Lancashire Care Association), Centurion Way, Leyland.