Charity welcomes care debate

Healthcare News
13/05/2008
Counsel and Care welcomes the debate about the state of elderly care in the UK.

National charity Counsel and Care has spoken out in favour of the recently launched debate into the state of care in the UK.

The group states that older people, their families and carers should all strive to take part in the debate as "the future of care and support is everybody's business" and it will affect most people at some point in their lives.

Stephen Burke, the charity's chief executive, said: "The care debate has the potential to shape and improve lives for generations of people. Whether it will do so depends on how ambitious we all are, how bold the government is prepared to be, and how successful we are in engaging the public in the debate."

He added that among the main concerns for elderly people are the inconsistencies within care home standards and the 'postcode lottery' of charging for care.

The six-month debate into care and support services was launched yesterday by health secretary Alan Johnson.

It aims to create a new system that ensures everyone receives the care they need and is affordable for the government, individuals and families in the long-term.