Menu
03/01/2012
Call For Consensus On 'Failing' Care System
An open letter to the Government on the UK's care of the elderly has called for urgent and fundamental reform in the sector, as carers reach "breaking point".
The letter, from charities, faith groups and senior figures in the NHS said that while individuals in the UK were living longer, the unavoidable challenge was that there is an increasing number of people who need care.
The letter, addressed to all members of the government said it was a challenge that everyone was failing to meet in light of "terrible examples" of abuse and neglect in parts of the care system, which emerged in the latter half of 2011.
"This comes at huge cost to the dignity and independence of older and disabled people, but also to our society, family life and the economy. An estimated 800,000 older people are being left without basic care – lonely, isolated and at risk. Others face losing their homes and savings because of soaring care bills."
The letter added that disabled people were unable get the support they need to live their lives independently and that businesses were losing increasing numbers of experienced staff who are forced to give up work to care for older or disabled relatives.
"These carers can then be pushed to breaking point, providing round-the- clock care. Our NHS is also paying the price, as a lack of support leads to avoidable hospital admissions and then keeps older and disabled in hospital beds because they cannot be cared for at home.
'We have a duty as a nation to change this – but it requires political leadership."
He letter also called for the Government and the other party leaders to seize upcoming cross party talks on care provision to deliver a social care system that can provide "well-funded and high-quality care" and the support expected for "ourselves and our families".
(DW)
The letter, from charities, faith groups and senior figures in the NHS said that while individuals in the UK were living longer, the unavoidable challenge was that there is an increasing number of people who need care.
The letter, addressed to all members of the government said it was a challenge that everyone was failing to meet in light of "terrible examples" of abuse and neglect in parts of the care system, which emerged in the latter half of 2011.
"This comes at huge cost to the dignity and independence of older and disabled people, but also to our society, family life and the economy. An estimated 800,000 older people are being left without basic care – lonely, isolated and at risk. Others face losing their homes and savings because of soaring care bills."
The letter added that disabled people were unable get the support they need to live their lives independently and that businesses were losing increasing numbers of experienced staff who are forced to give up work to care for older or disabled relatives.
"These carers can then be pushed to breaking point, providing round-the- clock care. Our NHS is also paying the price, as a lack of support leads to avoidable hospital admissions and then keeps older and disabled in hospital beds because they cannot be cared for at home.
'We have a duty as a nation to change this – but it requires political leadership."
He letter also called for the Government and the other party leaders to seize upcoming cross party talks on care provision to deliver a social care system that can provide "well-funded and high-quality care" and the support expected for "ourselves and our families".
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2004
All trains to accommodate disabled passengers by 2020
Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins revealed today that by 2020 all trains in the UK will accommodate disabled passengers. The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
All trains to accommodate disabled passengers by 2020
Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins revealed today that by 2020 all trains in the UK will accommodate disabled passengers. The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
07 October 2013
Disabled People Deprived Of Essential Care, Charity Claims
Two-thirds of local councils are commissioning 15-minute visits despite major concerns they deprive disabled people of essential care, according to a new report by charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. Over the past five years the proportion of visits of 15 minutes or less has risen by 15%.
Disabled People Deprived Of Essential Care, Charity Claims
Two-thirds of local councils are commissioning 15-minute visits despite major concerns they deprive disabled people of essential care, according to a new report by charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. Over the past five years the proportion of visits of 15 minutes or less has risen by 15%.
23 February 2007
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
17 August 2005
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
18 May 2005
Improvement needed in care homes information, study claims
Older people should have access to a ‘one-stop-shop’ providing information on care home provision, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has recommended. The OFT also said that care home residents should have better access to complaints procedures and be provided with greater price transparency and fairer contract terms.
Improvement needed in care homes information, study claims
Older people should have access to a ‘one-stop-shop’ providing information on care home provision, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has recommended. The OFT also said that care home residents should have better access to complaints procedures and be provided with greater price transparency and fairer contract terms.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
