City of York Council has been awarded £220,000 in government funding for 2007/08 to spend on improvements that will enhance the physical environment of registered care homes for older people. 

The Department of Health (DoH) funding has been provided to the council as part of a 'Dignity In Care' initiative aimed at ensuring that all older people using health and social care services are treated with dignity.

More than 70 per cent of the money will be spent on privately-owned care homes and the remainder will be invested in the council's own care homes. This will see bathrooms, dining areas and lounges upgraded, as well as the refurbishment of toilet blocks, the addition of conservatories and improvements to garden areas.

The grant will allow people living in care homes do so with dignity and more than 600 older people will benefit from the improvements being carried out. 

Bill Hodson,  director of housing and adult social services, said: "It’s vital that the quality of care is of the highest standard. This funding will help care providers in York to increase privacy for residents and improve their quality of life by enhancing their surroundings."