Fresh look at care options for UK’s elderly

Paul Burstow, who served in the coalition Government, will lead the project set up by the think tank Demos.

In a speech launching the commission, Mr Burstow will say that care homes should be a “valued place” in the system.

The Liberal Democrat MP will say: “For many the thought of residential care is a source of dread, an unwelcome last resort. Media reporting of care has fuelled the negative stereotype.

“Yet care homes can be places of light and laughter, a home from home.”

Mr Burstow will highlight that there are three times the number of beds in care homes compared to the NHS and conclude: “There needs to be a reappraisal of the role of residential care, a realisation that it is part of the solution, rehabilitation of its reputation and a valued place in our care system.”