Age UK statement on Southern Cross

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:  'This has been a really worrying few months for Southern Cross residents and their families, with these latest developments only adding to their concern.

'We would urge everyone involved in the potential transfer of the Southern Cross homes to put the needs of the residents first, remembering that those living in the homes are very vulnerable and frail.

'The current situation only serves to highlight the need for Monitor, the new regulator for health and social care, to be given greater powers including responsibility for ensuring the financial viability of care homes. Companies that are not able to show that they have a sustainable business model should not be allowed to run care homes.

'Any older person or those caring for them who would like to know their legal rights with respect to care homes can call the Age UK freephone advice line on 0800 169 6565."

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Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media Contact: Liz Fairweather
Telephone: 020 3033 1718
Out-of-office hours: 07071 243 243