Government cuts are having a detrimental effect on elderly care

As a result of government-funded elderly care being cut back, there has been a decrease in the number of old people receiving adequate assistance.

The number of over-65s being helped by their local council decreased by 26 per cent between 2010 and 2014, while spending on care by councils fell by 25 per cent between 2010 and 2015, according to a report published jointly by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust.

Elderly care is means-tested, meaning the poorest elderly people receive more help. However,over time the number of people in need of assistance has increased - a 10 per cent rise over the past year - so the cuts have left them fending for themselves and struggling without support. Over 40 per cent of the money provided to care homes came from people paying for themselves, and this is impacting on them financially. This has led to 300,000 fewer people receiving assistance from the council over the last four years.

Access to the best type of care depends on where people reside and how much they can afford, so those who live in deprived areas with lower incomes are more vulnerable and at risk of struggling even more. One in ten people end up spending £100,000 or more on care in later life, so for some people, the ability to afford elderly care is out of the question.

However, despite government cuts, there are areas of care and support for elderly people should they require it. For example, Barchester Healthcare has care homes with wonderful facilities located across Great Britain so you can choose the right facility for yourself. Barchester Healthcare offers a variety of care so that individuals and their loved ones can decide on something that is suitable for their needs.

Health and social care should be one of the government’s priorities. According to the Real Lives report by the The Richmond Group of Charities, the UK population aged 75 and over - the group most likely to need care - is estimated to rise by 89 per cent by 2039. This means that it is vital that the government provides social care services to the elderly.

Nevertheless, even though more needs to be done in order for councils and the government to fund and prioritise health and social care, there are various sources of help, support and assistance for elderly people.