Monthly Archives: January 2012
Public ‘still facing significant social care costs’
Social care chiefs say any future system in England will be a partnership between state and individual.
4 January 2012 Last updated at 00:41
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Individuals will still face significant social care costs even if politicians reach agreement on reform, experts say.
Cross-party talks starting later this month are expected to consider plans put forward in an independent review that costs should be capped at £35,000.
But some believe the final cap may have to be higher and have warned it will not cover everything anyway.
Social care chiefs say any future system in England will be a partnership between state and individual.
Long-term care: why the system is close to breaking point
We explain who is entitled to state help, and why experts think the system needs to be reformed.
3:55PM GMT 03 Jan 2012
Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are at risk of “terrible abuse and neglect” through the failings of Britain’s care system, experts stated in a letter published in The Telegraph.
What can those approaching the age when care may be needed, or who have relatives in this situation do about funding long term care? The following answers may help to shed some light.
Politicians urged to seize chance to change social care
Plans to reform social care will be put forward in the spring, ministers said.
3 January 2012 Last updated at 08:26
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Politicians from all parties have been urged to work together to find a way to overhaul the “failing” social care system in England.
Cross-party talks about the care given to the elderly and disabled failed in 2010 but will start again this month.
In an open letter, charities, faith-based groups and senior figures in the NHS and local government say the opportunity must not be missed.
Plans to reform social care will be put forward in the spring, ministers said.
