NEW INDEPENDENT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FACT THAT ELDERLY WOULD CHOOSE LIVE-IN NURSING

As specialists, Doctors faced with making recommendations as to what is best for their elderly
patients when in need of full time nursing care, poses a dilemma for most professionals. However,
recent independent research carried out with the elderly themselves has shown that this group has
very clear views on the subject.

The research, which was conducted during November by TNS Face to Face Services on behalf of Consultus
Care and Nursing Agency with a national sample of adults aged 75 and over, has revealed an overwhelmingly
strong preference for live-in nursing: 88% (of adults aged 75 and over) preferring to receive long- term
nursing care at home, compared to only 7% who would prefer a nursing home.

These results signal a clear message from the elderly, this route having possible knock on effects for
a health service facing problems; perhaps in terms of the reduction in bed blocking; the positive psychological
effects for the patient staying in the familiar surroundings of their own home;, and of course the provision of
an alternative career option for nurses in need of employment outside of an NHS system that is
facing serious cutbacks.

Kevin May, Registered Manager of Consultus Care & Nursing Agency, comments:  "This research,
which is the first of its kind, has underlined the strong views held by the elderly about where they
choose to be nursed. Paradoxically at a time when Trusts hit worst by the NHS budget crisis are
cutting back on nurses, there is a real demand for live-in nurses. These skilled health care workers
are able to give our clients the 24/7 nursing care that they clearly want, whilst a choice of working
weeks enables more nurses to remain in the profession that they have chosen.  The reality is that
live-in Nursing can provide an economical solution to both patients and nurses."

For further information on Consultus Care & Nursing Agency please contact Kevin May on 01732
355231.

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For press enquiries and images please contact Siobhan McGeady at Seriously Bright on 020 8180
1585 or email siobhan@seriouslybright.com.  A full independent research report can be forwarded for information
to press.

Research highlights:

-       After a spell in hospital 91% said they would prefer to convalesce in their own home compared
with 1% who would choose a hospital ward.
-       87% agreed that live-in nursing should be more readily available through the NHS and 89%
agreed that more information should be made available.
-       The possibility of going into a nursing home concerned most people with over a third feeling
very concerned


(12/1/07)