Response to the findings of the Caring Choices initiative - 07.01.08

We welcome the publication of the report The Future of Care Funding: Time for a change, which calls for the long-overdue reform to the current system of long-term care for older people. Many of the issues raised during the consultation are echoed by some of the 6,500 older people we support. One of the most important priorities for them is being able to stay in their own homes for as long as possible and to have access to low-level practical support such as handyman services, help around the home and with shopping, which help them retain their independence and dignity. Provision of similar low-level preventative care is essential to the wellbeing of older people and will ultimately reduce the longer-term financial burden on acute social care services. IndependentAge thus reiterates the call to broaden the definition of ‘personal care’ and for better support in providing low-level preventative care.

caringchoices.org.uk
Information about the Caring Choices initiative and the debates and nationwide roadshows with older people, carers and professionals that took place in 2007.