Older People face “bleak” future says King’s Fund report on care services

The next generation of older people will face a
“bleak” future if there is no improvement in care
services, according to a major report published by the King’s
Fund today.

The report finds older people are being put at risk from untrained
and unqualified staff and experience restricted access to care and
practical support.

Older people also have limited choice and control over care
services and experience hardship caused by inadequate funding and
controversy over who should pay for long-term care.

The report focuses on care services in London but says the findings
had nationwide application. 

It says: “The prospects of improvements for the next
generation of older people look bleak, as the demand for care will
increase and the pressures on private and public resources will
intensify.”

The report recommends investment in market development, reforms to
ensure equality of opportunity focusing on the rights and needs of
older people, and the mobilisation of more public and private
resources.

The Business of Caring: King’s Fund inquiry into care services
for older people in London from: www.kingsfund.org.uk.