The future cost of elderly care is set for a debate
14 I 10 I 09
Lisa Morgan
The government and the
Conservatives have set their plans on how to fund the future care
of the elderly.
The cost of care is
causing a misery to many families. It is estimated that around
45,000 people are forced to sell their homes each year to pay for
residential care.
In England, if an
individual has capital over £23,000 (£22,000 in Wales), they will
be responsible for the full cost of their care. With the average
cost of care home fees being £600 per week, the cost of care can
spiral.
This month, the
Conservative Government have said that they would introduce a
voluntary insurance scheme, with a one of payment of around £8,000,
at 65, to pay for residential care. The Conservative have labelled
the proposal a ‘home protection scheme’, as it responds to families
fears to sell their homes to pay for care.
Lisa Morgan, Associate
with the Specialist Nursing Care Team at leading law firm Hugh
James states: “I welcome the debate on how residential care is to
be funded in the future. Thousands of people are forced to sell
their homes to pay for care. In our experience, this causes anxiety
and distress to older people and their families.”
“The current rules are
complex and unfair and the proposal could provide a relief for
many. However, the proposals do not address all those in need,
especially those who are cared for at home or who cannot afford to
pay a lump sum.”
In July, the Government
launched the Green Paper ‘Shaping the Future of Care Together’
which gave three possible options to fund future care. The
Consultation period ends on the 13 November 2009.
Lisa Morgan stated: “The
proposals do not affect individuals who are entitled to NHS
Continuing Healthcare, where the primary reason they are in a care
home is because of their health and all costs will still be met for
free by the NHS.”
Notes:
- Hugh James currently represents over 900 people claiming they
have been wrongly charged nursing care fees in England and Wales
and have recovered to date over £8 million in wrongly paid care
home fees.
- In Wales, the public consultation on the future of paying for
care ended on the 28 February 2009. The Welsh Assembly Government
intends to publish a Green Paper in the autumn. This will set out
its proposals for reforming the system of paying for care.
For further information contact:
Lisa Morgan
Senior Associate
E lisa.morgan@hughjames.com
T 029 2022 4871
