The DHSC has affirmed its support for Manx Care’s Home First approach to elderly care, saying it is aligned with best practices in the UK.
In a written answer to a question from Kate Lord-Brennan the Minister Claure Christian said the policy ensures individuals are supported at home where safe and appropriate.
“The principles underlying this policy focus on person-centred care and aim to ensure that individuals, including older people, are supported to remain in their own homes wherever it is safe and appropriate, rather than being admitted to hospital or residential care unnecessarily,” the minister said.
Initiative
The department’s 2025/26 Mandate requires Manx Care to advance the initiative and include the evolving Northern Locality Hub, which now offers pain management and expanded frailty support.
The Southern Locality Hub is scheduled to open before the end of this financial year.
Wellbeing Partnership pop-up services are also active in GP practices in Ramsey, Ballasalla, and Castletown, with plans for Kirk Michael.
Ms Christian said her department “will continue to monitor the impact of the Home First approach and actively engage with Manx Care and other stakeholders to evaluate how well the policy is developing and functioning in practice”.