Politicians 'must do more' to help improve social care

Up to 60 per cent of people think that politicians need to do more to help improve care homes and other aspects of the support system for older people, according to a new survey.

Findings from the Age Concern and Help the Aged-commissioned survey were released today, ahead of their cross-party care summit on social care reform.

Social care for older people has risen up the political agenda, to the point where 80 per cent of adults consider it one of the most important issues in the upcoming election, with a third of over 65's considering it the most important, the survey claims.

"Millions of older people and their families have been let down by an inadequate care system for far too long," said Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age Concern and Help the Aged.

The Alzheimer's Society's acting chief executive, Ruth Sutherland, said the figures proved older people are not receiving the care they are entitled to.

"With an election imminent we now need to hear how each of the parties would provide a fair, transparent and high-quality social care system that includes guarantees," she added.