"Care system in crisis" as nation fails to save for later life

28/01/2008

Two thirds of people in the UK say they have no plans to put any money aside to fund their social care in older age.  Moreover, when faced with a choice of local authority support, paying for a private service or turning to family and friends, two thirds of people are likely to seek help from family or friends, according to major new research launched today by three leading national charities.

 

The findings come from a survey conducted for Counsel and Care, Help the Aged and Carers UK by GfK NOP. The survey also found that well over two thirds of people (70%) think the government is failing to provide adequate support to family members who care for older relatives.

 

The news comes as Counsel and Care, Help the Aged and Carers UK launch ‘Right care Right deal’, a high profile campaign calling for a new settlement for social care in England. ‘Right care Right deal’ outlines the policy changes necessary to create a future where people have the choice and the control to live their lives, their way; supported by a care system which is better funded through a clear, simple and sustainable deal entered in to by the state, community, family and individuals.

 

Paul Cann, director of policy & external relations at Help the Aged said: "The ’Right care Right deal’ campaign has been launched to garner support and raise awareness of the crucial need for a radical new system of social care in England, with the needs and wishes of the individual at the very heart. The fact that that almost two thirds of people are expecting help or support from their families or friends should act as an urgent alarm call. 

 

Reform to the creaking social care system is now vital.

"Social care should be about supporting older people to live a better life, expanding their opportunities, not just managing their needs.  The current system is failing and so must be transformed into one that is personalised, easy to understand and accessible - with a fair and sustainable funding settlement."

 

Other key findings of the survey include:
• People want a more personalised care system: well over half of respondents to the survey (56%)* would prefer to receive a cash sum direct from their local social services department, enabling them to arrange their own social care;
• Nearly half (48%) of people responding to the survey felt that even finding out any information about social care was confusing.  Older people themselves find accessing information about social care difficult, with the 45% of people aged 65 or over admitting they were unclear about how to inform themselves about where and how to get help.

 

Stephen Burke, chief executive at Counsel and Care said: “The care system is in crisis. The growing care gap means there is a crisis of funding, a crisis of fairness and a crisis of confidence. Older people, their families and carers are baffled by the system and confused about what they are entitled to. We need a simpler, fairer, transparent, consistent and flexible care system that is fit for the future. That requires not just better funding but also good information, advice and advocacy to help everyone get the right care and the right deal.”