Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, writes in the Guardian that the present social care system needs to change, with carers and the people to be placed at the centre. She describes the difficulties and obstacles faced by the UK’s six million unpaid carers, with information and support hard to find and often varying hugely between regions. Ms Redmond argues that the situation must be addressed urgently, commenting: ‘Disabled, older and chronically ill people and carers should not be living in financial hardship. We need a society that treats them equally and fairly.’ She goes on to explain that a reformed care system should offer equal opportunities for those being cared for and their carers, including chances to work and have hobbies, as well as a clear and accessible support system. Carers UK is campaigning for the introduction of a national entitlement for social care, so that anyone entering the system knows their rights and is aware of what to expect. Another key concern is how social care will respond to the economic changes that will be brought about by the UK’s ageing population, as a smaller workforce struggles to support a growing population of retirees. Ms Redmond explains the increasing importance of protecting carers’ rights in this climate: ‘The lack of good quality care arranged around work is affecting our economy right now. If we do not get this system right, we risk losing the positive contributions made by carers and increasing the negative sides of caring. Radical reform to the care system is not just a moral necessity but an economic one too.’
posted by Cheselden Continuing Care at
12:16
