Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
The post-war settlement established the NHS as a comprehensive system of health care, free at the point of use, while the social care system remained means-tested and based on need. This settlement created a divide between health and social care which still exists today.
Over 65 years of social, technological and demographic change later, this system has not kept up. Demand for health and social care services is increasing, with many more people living longer and with long-term conditions.
The system is distressing for the people in society who most need help. People are puzzled to hear that dementia is deemed to be a social care problem, which means that they are likely to have to pay for a large proportion of their care themselves, while other conditions like cancer are seen as health problems, so care is given for free. The way the system works is not only confusing by deeply unfair. Many people end up getting lost in the gaps.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/11064019/Care-reform-there-is-no-do-nothing-option.html
Over 65 years of social, technological and demographic change later, this system has not kept up. Demand for health and social care services is increasing, with many more people living longer and with long-term conditions.
The system is distressing for the people in society who most need help. People are puzzled to hear that dementia is deemed to be a social care problem, which means that they are likely to have to pay for a large proportion of their care themselves, while other conditions like cancer are seen as health problems, so care is given for free. The way the system works is not only confusing by deeply unfair. Many people end up getting lost in the gaps.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/11064019/Care-reform-there-is-no-do-nothing-option.html