Wales has launched a consultation period on the reform of its social care structure and funding system. Entitled ‘Paying for Care’, the consultation Green Paper can be downloaded or read from a new, dedicated website www.payingforcareinwales.net. The website will be kept updated with the latest developments in and responses to the consultation process as well as information about how to get involved and have your say. The consultation will run until 28 February 2010.
A selection of initial responses to the Green Paper:
‘This cloned version of the UK government’s Green Paper offers no specifically Welsh solutions. The only thing that is clear is that the Assembly Government has no clue on how to deal with the looming funding crisis in social care.’
Peter Black, Welsh Liberal Democrat health spokesman
‘The care and support system in Wales is in need of a radical overhaul and it is under-funded and overstretched. The system is also overly complicated and unfair and it penalises savers, even those with modest assets. We need to identify what people should expect from care and support services, in terms of when they should be eligible, how much support they should receive and the quality of that service. We believe the fairest way to achieve this is by sharing the costs across society as whole. We conducted research this year which showed that 80% of people of all ages across Wales feel that care and support for older people should be free at the point of use and paid for through taxation. If taxation is being ruled out as an option then we must explore alternatives that will balance the responsibility of paying for care between individuals and the state so that everyone receives care when they need it.’
Victoria Lloyd, Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales
‘It is clear that the current system for the provision of care and support is widely accepted as being outdated and in many cases grossly unfair. However, Saga’s research shows that there is no one size fits all solution with all of the proposals receiving a decidedly cool reception amongst over 50s. While many support the abolition of the postcode lottery in care provision and funding, many are still concerned that these proposals do not protect the family home as accommodation and food costs are still going to have to be met by the family.’
Emma Soames, Saga
‘Older people need a system that is fairer, more consistent and which addresses the longer-term financial issues as well. We need to listen to what people say as part of this consultation and look at what consensus comes through and take steps forward as this result. We have some concerns as a commission about proposals around future claims, claimants for Attendance Allowance which we think needs to stay as a benefit which benefits a lot of older people directly so we need to get involved in Wales in the UK consultation as well.’
Sarah Stone, Deputy Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
posted by Cheselden Continuing Care at
10:02
