'Reform in an ageing society is crucial'
Age UK writes for ePolitix.com about the government's announcement of a new commission on social care reform
As our society ages, reforming social care is becoming an urgent priority. The government's announcement of a new Commission on Social Care Reform is a welcome step towards addressing the looming social care crisis.
We want to see the commission identify a comprehensive, long-term reform strategy that provides for earlier intervention, better quality and improved dignity and consistency across the country. Reform must support people to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Given the economic climate, it may not be possible to achieve radical change overnight, but we want the commission to produce a clear roadmap for reform at the end of its year of work.
While the review takes place, current spending must be protected from upcoming government funding cuts. Care services are already restricted to people with the highest needs and lowest means; packages of care are rationed and support is too often of unacceptable quality. Any further cuts are likely to have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable people.
Age UK, along with its local partners, has already involved 12,000 people from around the country in the debate on the future of social care. It is vital that the new commission builds on the views of people involved in the social care system – current users, their carers, family and friends – who have often already faced the difficult trade-offs that social care demands.