Conditions

England Social Care May Possibly Collapse In Worst Affected Areas

By Allen James Dinglasan | Update Date: Feb 17, 2017 07:12 PM EST

Existing data reviewed by Age UK says that almost 1.2 million people aged at least 65 didn't get the care that they need, a 48 percent rise since 2010. Out of these people, 487,400 get help but not enough for their needs. Around 696,500 people didn't get any help all and 53,000 of them have trouble performing at least three daily tasks like eating, dressing and washing.

And according to The Guardian, social care in England is in jeopardy of a possible collapse in the worst affected areas. It could be prevented if the government takes immediate action to avoid this crisis.

Social care is funded by either councils or individuals but growing numbers are also depending on friends and family to support them. But Age UK's latest report suggests that the healthcare for older people needs cash injection into the adult social care system in the spring budget. A long-term solution should also be developed because healthcare for the elderly people might become more acute in the coming years.  

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt pledged to take action on social care, which covers help in the home and care homes. That has provoked a growing anticipation that a rescue package will be announced in the Budget by around March.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, said that this crisis will deepen in the coming years unless something changes. She also said that if the social care in the worst affected areas will collapse, it will threaten the health of older people. It would also stir up the pressure on England's hospitals.

In 2016, the councils have spent around £16 billion for the healthcare of disabled and elderly people. It comes after funding from the central government was reduced by one-third in real time during the last Parliament.

Councils tried to protect social care by making budget reduction elsewhere. But still, they lessen the social care budget by 6 percent, as per BBC. And LGA predicted that there will be a £2.6 billion shortfall for social care services.  

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