04.01.12
Politicians ‘failing’ on social care reform
MPs have been urged to work together to urgently reform the social care system by a large coalition of health professionals and charities in an open letter.
The individuals and organisations who signed the letter to the Daily Telegraph say the whole system is in danger.
The letter, with 72 signatories, states: “We should celebrate the fact that we are all living longer lives, particularly disabled people and those with long-term conditions.
“But the unavoidable challenge we face is how to support the increasing number of people who need care.
“It is currently a challenge which we are failing to meet - resulting in terrible examples of abuse and neglect in parts of the care system. This comes at huge cost to the dignity and independence of older and disabled people, but also to our society, family life and the economy.”
Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said that reforming social care was the “biggest public policy challenge the country faces”.
An independent review last year by economist Andrew Dilnot had as one of its main recommendations the suggestion that social care costs should be capped at £35,000 for patients, and further costs covered by the Government.
But considering this limit, Richard Humphries, of the King’s Fund health think-tank, said: “My feeling is that in the current climate it may have to be a bit higher to be affordable [for Government].”
Peter Hay, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said: “Social care is not free now and it won’t be in the future. What we need is for people to start thinking about care costs. Three-quarters of people end up needing some social care support – so this is an issue that affects most of us. We need people to take responsibility for their well-being to lessen the costs for them and the state.”
Cross-party talks will begin again this month and a White Paper is expected in the spring.
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