Care crisis cannot be ignored
14 September, 2009
We all had a dream of a long and healthy retirement. But it doesn’t always work out like that, writes Dave Morris.
Care services are under huge pressure and the situation likely to get a lot worse.
Finding the right care is going to become harder - and it is already difficult.
More people need care because they are living longer - in 1948 life expectancy was 66, while today it is 78.
And for the first time there are more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18.
It’s quite obvious that demands on services will increase.
Further evidence was provided in July when 31 scientists and experts signed an open letter calling on the Government to end “years of underfunding” in dementia research.
The amount devoted to studying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease needs to be tripled or the UK will “pay the price”, said the letter.
Former Shrewsbury woman Teresa Challenor says that many of us face a minefield of mixed emotions in trying to find for parents or a loved one, a suitable nursing home or an EMI (elderly mentally infirm) unit.
She is keen to remind people that they have the right to expect that their loved ones receive the care that is due to them.
If for any reason they are not satisfied, they should not be afraid to raise concerns with the manager of the home - and always put it in writing.
“A paper trail is a must,” says Teresa.
The Big Care Debate will run until November 13. You can get involved or obtain further information by writing to Green Paper Team, Room 149, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS or by visiting the website www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk
SOURCE: The Shropshire Star, UK
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