Coronavirus diary, Friday 24 July

We have three new residents at Sunrise, the first since lockdown, but we will have to wait to greet them until they are safely settled in.

Although they have been passed as virus free they have to be isolated for a week.

Sunrise, as usual, has strictly followed the rules. Our newcomers will appreciate this - and 'room service' is excellent! 

Sunrise is relieved to be able to accept new residents. Like all care homes, this substantial group, which has homes in the UK and the USA, has had a worrying time, looking after its residents and staff. 

The  pandemic has added enormous pressure on the home care system which has been struggling for years.

Many homes, local government and private, have closed due to  staffing problems, rising costs and government cutbacks - with local authorities funding cut by half in ten years. 

Now the system has to get back on is feet.

The government, recognising the past and present problems, have provided billions in aid, but the answer is the long promised reform of social care. That could take years.

The immediate task is to restore the reputation of care homes. Public reaction to their recently launched campaign  so far is encouraging.

It is not only care homes that are an essential part of social care; retirement homes have become increasingly popular in recent years.

They offer an attractive alternative, providing greater  independence and a wider social life in the community.

Perhaps more important is to give more people the chance to stay in their own homes as long as possible, probably cheaper in the long run.

All of this costs money, but considering approaching £300 billion is being spent on saving jobs and the economy, looking after our old people as they deserve must be worth it.