Informal long term care for the elderly is set to plummet over the next five years, according to fi...
Informal long term care for the elderly is set to plummet over the next five years, according to figures revealed at the recent Carers National Association conference in London, writes Kirstie Redford.
The figures have been prepared following the Government's plans to provide free nursing care for the elderly by October this year, but not personal care as recommended by the Royal Commission.
Informal care, usually delivered by relatives of the elderly, currently accounts for around 65% of long term care provision, with the State providing 25% and the private sector picking up the final 10%.
Speaking at the conference, Desmond Le Grys, chairman of the Age Concern Enterprise, warned that due to an uncontrolled increase in State spending, fewer people will be willing to provide free informal care.
According to Le Grys, the amount of informal care provision could fall by up to 20% over the next five years.
Also speaking at the conference, Lord David Lipsey, a member of the Royal Commission, spoke of the invaluable role of informal carers. He stated that it would be an impossibility for the Government to pay for free personal care and find extra funds for carers, and that the only answer was for the NHS to form a partnership with the private sector.
"The only way round this is through a partnership so that people contribute when they can to leave money for those who need it. This is something the insurance industry has wanted but has taken the Government some convincing," said Lord Lipsey.
Health Minister, John Hutton, said the Government's plans to provide free nursing care would help to reduce the financial burden on the elderly and help them to live independently at home.
"From October this year, everyone who needs care from a registered nurse will receive it. Around 35,000 people will benefit in nursing homes, with savings up to £5,000 on annual fees. Services will be provided by need and not by capability to pay," said Hutton, adding: "There is more to do and I accept that."
Diana Whitworth, chief executive of the Carers National Association, told delegates that there are currently 5.7 million carers in Britain, with around 900,000 carers providing over 50 hours of care a week and 1.7 million providing over 20 hours a week. She added that a full time informal carer can contribute up to £50,000 a year in care.
