Funding concerns over elderly care

Social care experts have warned older generations could be left in limbo because the Government is failing to adequately plan for the care needed by our rapidly ageing population.

If funding is not available, those in need must pay themselves, but many won't have the cash.

The findings are part of a survey carried out by the Local Government Association (LGA), in which more than 80 council leaders, charity directors, directors of adult services, chief executives and social care experts took part.

The results highlight the sector-wide concern around how care and home help services in England will be paid for and summarises the sector's response to the Government's care and support white paper.

Results reveal more than four in five experts (83%) believe government plans have failed to move towards a system that provides sufficient funding.

Nearly nine in 10 (88%) say the proposals do not address the funding needed to meet the demographic pressures facing the country, which the LGA estimates will add a further £2 billion to the annual care bill by 2015.

This is in addition to the £1.89 billion reduction in social care budgets councils already face.

'Danger'

Councillor David Rogers, chair of the LGA's community wellbeing board, says: "The current care system is in danger of collapsing.

"Unless we see urgent action the growing funding crisis threatens our ability to provide basic daily services older people rely on such as help with washing, getting out of bed, and meals on wheels.

"We are deeply concerned that failure to properly fund adult social care is leaving people in limbo and threatening the dignity and independence of the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on council support and just want to live comfortably and without a lifetime of worry."