The politics of self-interest in addressing elderly care
PUBLISHED: 20:36, 30 May 2012 | UPDATED: 21:43, 30 May 2012
The cost of looking after old people is almost going to double in the next 20 years, and the number of people who will have to bear the crushing burden of paying for their own care will more than double.
This is what we are told in a report backed by eminently able academic researchers and published by the Local Government Association, the umbrella body of local councils.
It is local councils, of course, which run the bureaucratic organisations currently known as adult social services which are responsible for dishing out the meals on wheels, the bathroom safety fittings, and the caring workers who help wash and dress the vulnerable elderly.
Can technology help us to support the ageing population?
How we care for our older relatives and neighbours could be the greatest challenge facing society
Alex Smith
Guardian Professional, Wednesday 30 May 2012 08.30 BST
Over the coming decades, older people face a perfect storm. They will reach retirement age when people are living longer than ever, pensions are in crisis and national government and local authorities are facing unprecedented spending cuts. Serious medical conditions, and the socio-economic challenges resulting from ageing, are on the rise – with dementia causing particular distress to many older people and their families, and isolation proving a persistent curse.
This crisis will only deepen over time. Tax revenues continue to diminish and state-led solutions, which for the past 70 years have provided comfort, dignity and care for people in old age, are not going to provide all the answers in future, no matter which political party is in power.
Carers told “you are not alone” as help is launched in north Norfolk and Broadland
A new service that will help the unsung army of carers to get the support that they need is being set up at 20 GP surgeries across north Norfolk and Broadland.
By STEVE DOWNES Wednesday, May 30, 2012
3:56 PM
North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is piloting the project to provide support work at surgeries – and it could spread to the rest of Norfolk if the nine-month trial is successful.
Under the scheme, which is being delivered by Norwich and District Carers Forum (NDCF), two part-time support workers will be available on a monthly basis at each surgery to give support to anyone in an unpaid caring role.
