19 February 2010
A Saxmundham care agency has responded to plans discussed by the government today (19th February), relating to the future of elderly care.Christies Care, a domiciliary care agency specialising in the provision of 24 hour live-in care, have backed plans suggested by the Labour government to introduce a compulsory fee of up to £20,000 to pay for an individual’s care costs. The fee will either be paid once an individual has reached the age of 65, or it will be taken from the individual’s estate upon their death. Critics of the plans have labelled the fee a ‘death tax’.
Hugh Gathorne-Hardy, chairman, Christies Care, said of the plans; “Due to our aging society, care costs are becoming increasingly expensive, and many local authorities are struggling to cope with the demand on resources. We are pleased that the major political parties are discussing ways in which the current system of care could be overhauled, as reform has been needed for many years.”
“In principle we agree with Labours stance to introduce a compulsory fee for care as all care costs have to be paid for. The plans offer a fair solution. We also welcome the free Personal Care at Home bill as it focuses on giving support to those with ‘critical’ needs, such as Dementia or Parkinson’s, wishing to stay at home.”
Plans for the provision of future of adult social care have been heavily debated in parliament by the three main political parties. A green paper, published in 2009 outlined the need for reform, and provided the outline of a future National Care Service. Health secretary Andy Burnham has described the issue as ‘bigger than any single political party’.