Section 21 of the National Assistance Act 1948 empowers local authorities to support people in residential and nursing care homes. Data on the number of adults aged 18 and over in local authority supported registered residential and nursing care is collected and published by the NHS Information Centre for health and social care via the Supported Residents (SR1) return. Information is collected for the age groups 18 to 64 and 65 and over.
The following table shows the number of adults aged 18 and over in local authority supported registered residential and nursing care as at 31 March 2007 and 2008. Information for 2009 is expected to be published in early 2010.
Rounded numbers Total of all supported residents 18 to 64 65 and over Totals 2007 56,100 191,200 247,300 2008 53,900 182,200 236,100 Source: NHS Information Centre—SR1 return, table 1.