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Lib Dem Conference 2011: Party throws weight behind Dilnot
The Liberal Democrats have passed a policy motion to urge the government to accept the recommendations in the Dilnot Report on long term care (LTC).
The report, published in July, recommended a lifetime cap on care fees paid by the individual of between £25,000 and £50,000, and a separate cap of between £7,000 and £10,000 on accommodation and food fees.
Dilnot's commission also recommended a £100,000 asset threshold, under which individuals will not have to pay for their care.
At the Liberal Democrat conference today, party members passed a motion to pressure the government to implement the measures amid fears reform will be shelved.
The party also voted in favour of an amendment to include measures to protect elderly people in LTC from abuse.
Jim Boyd, director of corporate affairs at LTC specialist Partnership, said the industry must keep the pressure on the government to avoid Dilnot's recommendations being "kicked into the long grass".
"We expect a white paper in December, but it may be pushed back into 2012," Boyd said.
"After party conference season, there is very little time before Christmas."
Boyd said the state of the three main parties may also cause a delay to reforms of LTC.
"Labour is onside with this issue, but the party is suffering from a fractured approach," he said.
"The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have used this issue in the past for point-scoring against each other as well."
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Dilnot Report
It is imperative that the Dilnot Report does not neglect the specialist needs and circumstances of people living with dementia, which are different to those of other elderly people. Also, it is necessary to realise that there are now over 16,000 people, under the age of 65, who are living with dementia and their needs must also be reflected in the Dilnot Report. rom my own experience ofhelping to care for family members who had Alzheimer's disease and also as a volunteer for the society, I have written to MP's of all political persuasions in a bid to bring an awareness to the needs of this discriminated section of society that are forced to pay a dementia tax because they are the only group who do not come under the NHS, as dementia is not recognized as a medical condition even though it is caused through brain disease and strokes, which prevents an early diagnosis. People living with dementia have to pay for all their care, which escalates as their condition worsens and extra help is needed for washing, dressing and using the toilet. It is also important to highlight the fact that 30% of our elderly are living very close to the poverty line. It is refreshing to know that the Lib Dem's are going to put pressure to bear on the Govt to prevent the Dilnot Rport being placed on the back burner. With the exception of Andrew Lansley, the response I have received from the Conservative MP's especially the Treasury, whose reply was bog standard and patronising, has been very disapointing.
Posted by: Ann-Marie Mason | Sep 22 2011
Dilnot Report
It is imperative that the Dilnot Report does not neglect the specialist needs and circumstances of people living with dementia, which are different to those of other elderly people. Also, it is necessary to realise that there are now over 16,000 people, under the age of 65, who are living with dementia and their needs must also be reflected in the Dilnot Report. rom my own experience ofhelping to care for family members who had Alzheimer's disease and also as a volunteer for the society, I have written to MP's of all political persuasions in a bid to bring an awareness to the needs of this discriminated section of society that are forced to pay a dementia tax because they are the only group who do not come under the NHS, as dementia is not recognized as a medical condition even though it is caused through brain disease and strokes, which prevents an early diagnosis. People living with dementia have to pay for all their care, which escalates as their condition worsens and extra help is needed for washing, dressing and using the toilet. It is also important to highlight the fact that 30% of our elderly are living very close to the poverty line. It is refreshing to know that the Lib Dem's are going to put pressure to bear on the Govt to prevent the Dilnot Rport being placed on the back burner. With the exception of Andrew Lansley, the response I have received from the Conservative MP's especially the Treasury, whose reply was bog standard and patronising, has been very disapointing.
Posted by: Ann-Marie Mason | Sep 22 2011
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