CSCI Report Shows Social Care System Is At Breaking Point As Help The Aged Welcomes Government Review Of Eligibility, UK
'The social care system is at breaking point. Overstretched and underfunded - today's report demonstrates that the gap between need and provision is rapidly turning into a gulf. Social care has become a distress service, helping only those in critical need.
'Last year's comprehensive spending review, combined with the recent tough settlement for local government, has forced councils into even greater cutbacks on vital services. Not only does this make a mockery of the government's recent public service agreement focussing on older people, which cited the extent to which people over 65 receive support to live independently at home as one of the five key indicators of success, it also stores up serious problems for the future.
'Failing to help people in the early stages of their need increases the likelihood of their requiring greater, and so more costly, levels of support in the future. The government is missing a trick by squeezing funding so acutely. Helping people to live more independent lives in their own homes would drastically reduce the demand for more costly health and social care services later on - as more people would stay healthy longer.
'Social care must be about supporting older people to live a better life, expanding their opportunities, not just managing their needs. The current, creaking system is simply not up to the job.
'The news that government minister Ivan Lewis has announced a fundamental review of eligibility criteria for social care is welcome because there are glaring inconsistencies within and across local authorities. We must acknowledge that the current system is shot full of holes. People cannot fundamentally rely on having their care needs met. 2008 must be the year of delivery at last for reform of the social care system - the time for fine words is over. Older people need action.'
Notes:
1. The CSCI 3rd 'State of Social Care in England' report is published today, embargoed to 10:00 hours, and reviews social care services across England.
2. Right care, Right deal is the new national campaign launched to build public awareness and support for the need for brave and innovative solutions for the social care system. With the Government indicating that social care is an urgent political priority, and in advance of the expected green paper later in 2008, the campaign combines three of the UK's largest charities working with and for older people and their families and carers, and will urge the government to renew its vision for the future of social care in England. Visit http://www.rightcare.org.uk
3. Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life.
4. Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.
Help the Aged
CSCI raport aratã sistemul de asistenþã socialã este de la spargere ca punct de ajutor de Guvernul salutã, în vârstã de examinare de eligibilitate, Marea Britanie - CSCI Report Shows Social Care System Is At Breaking Point As Help The Aged Welcomes Government Review Of Eligibility, UK - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate