Politicians must work together to find long-term solutions on care reform‚ says Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ as new figures reveal six out of ten think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system for older people.
The poll for the charity revealed the extent to which care reform has risen up the political agenda and shows that eight out of ten adults believe it is among the most important issues in the coming election. 15% of people say it is the single most pressing question for the election‚ with this number rising to one third among people over the age of 65.A fifth of over 55s believe care is the most important issue for politicians to improve the lives of people over 65 and nine out of ten adults think that the political parties should work together to reach an agreement on care reform.
Michelle Mitchell‚ Charity Director‚ Age Concern and Help the Aged said:
“Our survey clearly shows that care in old age is an important issue to all age groups‚ not just those already in later life.
“Millions of older people and their families have been let down by an inadequate care system for far too long. We deserve a system that guarantees dignity and fairness and which provides quality care regardless of our wealth or where we live.
“We need a mature debate on social care reform and hope that our care summit will be the first step in helping politicians put forward long-term solutions that will benefit generations to come.”
The charity estimates an annual increase of £370 million over each of the next five years is needed simply to keep up with the rising costs of caring for an ageing population.
Age Concern and Help the Aged released the findings ahead of its cross party care summit on social care reform to be held today.
Age Concern
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