By Michelle Mitchell, charity director, Age Concern and Help the Aged
We should all be able to expect
decent care when we get old. But the reality for many is that the extent and quality of services
is often inadequate, and too many
people in real need are turned away from help. After years of political
neglect, our care system is crumbling
and families supporting loved ones are facing unbearable pressures.
Over the past few weeks, it's clear
that the social care reform debate is
getting caught-up in pre-election wrangling.
This new interest in care is very welcome; however the issue must not become a political football between
the parties. As we approach the general election, we're calling for all
political parties to set out definitive plans for reforming the entire care and
support system. Older people urgently need a new deal which guarantees decent
quality of care, wider availability of support, investment in preventative
interventions, and a more affordable system.
We're all aware of the threat of
public spending cuts, but with care services already at breaking point, it
is essential that there
is no further deterioration in the
availability and quality of care provided. We've calculated that to simply keep
up with the rising costs of caring
for older people, an annual increase of £370 million over each of the next five
years. Older people's care services have already been cut to the bone, so any
further rationing will cost lives and store up more problems across the public
sector.
Older people and their families
deserve a care system which enshrines dignity and fairness. Politicians have
the ability and power to deliver this
to them, but only if they put aside their differences and keep the interests of
the people they serve at the heart of their policies. We need long term
solutions to care reform for older people now and generations to
come.
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