People on the Isle of Man are being urged to join the social care funding debate.
Government is looking at how nursing and residential care will be funded in the future.
It's holding a number of focus groups which will ask questions about who should pay, whether private care insurance should be introduced and whether a levy is a sensible option.
The sessions will be held at Keyll Darree at Noble’s Hospital on March 27th – anyone interested in taking part should contact Clare McDonough on 642646.
Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas says: "Funding long-term nursing and residential care is an important and ever more pressing matter.
"We need to be realistic about what we can expect government to provide, so it's vital public debate on this issue is widened and that we engage those who haven’t yet given thought to their old age.
"Feedback from the focus groups will help shape government thinking about the different funding models available. We welcome ideas from those taking part."
The number of people aged 60+ is growing at a faster rate than the Island's population as whole.
Government's recent White Paper 'Meeting Our Population Challenges' forecasts the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by at least 30 per cent by 2036.
The 'super elderly' group, those aged 85+, is expected to grow at approximately the same rate.
Mr Thomas continues: "Current expenditure on nursing and residential care through Income Support is almost ?20 million per year - and costs are set to rise.
"We must ask ourselves to what extent the care should be funded by users or their relatives.
"Our latest population research shows a growing trend for older people to remain in their own homes.
"This is an inter-generational issue, and those at the start of their working lives have a major stake in decisions we make now.
"We want to hear from young people, to ensure vibrant and representative focus groups consider a key issue for the whole community: what contribution should the state make to funding long-term care?"
