Social Services Minister Renee Webb claimed yesterday.

She said: "As we have pointed out in the past, the Island's facilities for the elderly are woefully inadequate.

"People who do not require medical care are forced to stay in the hospital because they have nowhere to go.'' She was speaking after fired King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit physician George McPhee warned Hamilton Rotary Club of a "crisis'' in care of the elderly.

But Acting Health and Social Services Minister CV (Jim) Woolridge said the Government's own Health Care Review had addressed the issues raised by Dr.

McPhee and that the Ministry did an "outstanding job'' with the resources available.

Dr. McPhee called for a comprehensive health care plan -- especially in the light of the fact that the population of over-65 years old was growing faster than any other age group.

He added the cost of keeping elderly patients in hospital was very high compared to nursing homes.

And Dr. McPhee said more community support schemes, financial incentives for caregivers at home, more day care and an increase in cheaper private rest homes for elderly people who do not need sophisticated hospital care.

Ms Webb said: "Families are unable financially to care for elderly family members nor can they afford rest home care facilities which, on average, cost $3,000 a month.

"This cost, however, is far less than what Government is paying to house such persons in the hospital....$10,000 a month.'' She called on Government to implement recommendations contained in these reports as soon as possible.

HEALTH HTH