Category Archives: Older care

Warning over cuts to care of Norfolk elderly

December 30, 2011   Carers, Norfolk, Older care, ukcuts

Campaigners fear death rates among the elderly will increase this winter because of spending cuts.

Richard Wheeler Friday, December 30, 2011
6:00 AM

 

The concerns have been raised after Age UK director Michelle Mitchell yesterday warned elderly care will be plunged into “absolute crisis” by the government decreasing the cash available to council social care budgets.

She added this could end up costing more in the long run, with thousands of older people ending up in hospital rather than receiving care at home.

And Lady Joyce Hopwood, chairman of the Norfolk Older People’s Strategic Partnership Board, said more vulnerable and frail people were missing out on the help they needed.

She added that this was because councils and charitable groups were attempting to manage decreasing budgets and increasing workloads.

Read More

Carers to get legal rights and support in reforms

December 28, 2011   Carers, Older care

Carers are to be given legal rights under government plans to increase the assistance available to the six million Britons who look after other people.

 

A scheme that allows carers to take a break is also likely to be strengthened to protect leisure time

By , Political Editor

6:30AM GMT 28 Dec 2011

 

Ministers want to ensure that carers are given support to continue working or studying and to receive time off.

The rights of carers are expected to be put on the same legal footing as those of the people they look after.

There are estimated to be about six million people caring for husbands, wives, children, parents or neighbours, but the Government admits that “many do not get the emotional, financial and practical support they need”.

Read More

The Government has spent less time and less money on elderly and child care or family policy.

December 22, 2011   Carers, Older care

2011: social affairs news in review

While the NHS has been in the spotlight all year, the Government has spent less time and less money on elderly and child care or family policy.

 

Elderly people were once again left waiting for reform to the social care system, while more abuse and neglect was uncovered. Photo: REX

By , Social Affairs Editor

8:00AM GMT 22 Dec 2011

Elderly care

After years of indecision, delay and argument, a comprehensive and workable solution to England’s elderly care crisis was finally delivered in 2011.

The proposal by the Dilnot Commission to cap costs at about £35,000, and to make the means-testing system less unfair on pensioners with some assets, was almost universally welcomed by campaigners and support groups.

Read More