MORE money from the National Assembly is needed to safeguard the long-term future of the independent care sector in Newport, a council chief has warned.

Nursing home organisations have warned that many homes are staring into a financial abyss which could leave many old people with nowhere to go and worsen the problem of hospital bedblocking.

Ellis Williams, head of resourcing, support and co-ordination at Newport county borough council, said the demands of trying to meet the needs of the vulnerable elderly are increasing.

"We do not currently have a waiting list for nursing home and residential home beds in Newport," he said.

"However, there is an increasing demand to meet the needs of the ageing population and this is putting great pressure on overstretched council budgets." Mr Williams said the council would welcome more money from the Assembly on two fronts in particular.

"We need new funding for intermediate care services, that rehabilitate people so they can live at home independently after hospitalisation, to take some pressure off hospitals and provide community-based alternatives to institutional care," he said.

"This is better for the patient and saves the taxpayer money. "We also need increased funding to ensure the long term future of the independent residential and nursing home sector in Newport.

"New government regulations and employment requirements will require additional funding to secure jobs and provide the right level of quality of service to those Newport residents who need this type of care."

Cheryl Wilson, (pictured) vice-chairwoman of Care Forum Wales, who runs the Millheath nursing home in Bettws, Newport, told the Argus last week that many homes are on the brink, as funding levels for individual care packages from social services do not cover costs.

Plaid Cymru has also joined the growing chorus of concern over the fragile state of the independent care sector.

"With increased costs following the introduction of the Care Standards Act 2000 and the increase in the minimum wage, it is becoming increasingly difficult for these homes to stay open," said the party's health spokesman Dr Dai Lloyd.

"Nursing homes across Wales will shut down if nothing more is done."

The Registered Nursing Home Association in Wales estimates the true cost of providing nursing home care is around £40 per person per week more than is currently paid for the majority of patients funded by social services.