We can't fix social care if we think it's just for older people

[Northerner]

There’s no doubt that one of the biggest challenges facing Britain is how we deal with our ageing population. The countless warnings about the crisis in social care leave no room for doubt. Over the last seven years, budgets have decreased by more than £6bn (pdf) in real terms, and more than 1.2 million older people are struggling to get by without proper care.

The government’s promise to consult on social care in England provides an opportunity to bring about change. But for too long, this debate has almost exclusively focused on older people, overlooking those who need care and support much earlier in life.

More than 280,000 working age disabled adults rely on social care to lead independent, healthy lives. When done right, it empowers them not just to live, but to have a life.

https://www.theguardian.com/social-...k-its-just-for-older-people?CMP=ema-1696&CMP=

 

[Amigo]

There’s no doubt that one of the biggest challenges facing Britain is how we deal with our ageing population. The countless warnings about the crisis in social care leave no room for doubt. Over the last seven years, budgets have decreased by more than £6bn (pdf) in real terms, and more than 1.2 million older people are struggling to get by without proper care.

The government’s promise to consult on social care in England provides an opportunity to bring about change. But for too long, this debate has almost exclusively focused on older people, overlooking those who need care and support much earlier in life.

More than 280,000 working age disabled adults rely on social care to lead independent, healthy lives. When done right, it empowers them not just to live, but to have a life.

https://www.theguardian.com/social-...k-its-just-for-older-people?CMP=ema-1696&CMP=

I used to find it heartbreaking visiting my mum in a housing with care complex where there were at least 10 residents younger than me and some in their 40’s. With the closure of specialist homes for the younger physically disabled plus the closure of day centres for the same group of people, these much younger residents had been displaced and found themselves ‘marooned’ day after day with little meaningful or stimulating activity. The Council had started to rely on the over stretched and under funded voluntary and not for profit sector to provide social activities and stimulation because their responsibilities now end at keeping people housed, fed and watered!

There were a couple of younger people in wheelchairs who looked forward to my visits because for the main part of their day was spent with very elderly people, many of whom were dependent and repetitive.

Social care is so stretched that needs beyond basic sustenance are not being provided.

Parents who care for their disabled adult children at home 24/7 receive the equivalent of 36 pence @ hr in the form of the £61 a week Carer’s Allowance (paid only once no matter how many people the carer looks after)...oh, and taxable! 🙄

 

[Northerner]

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

I agree @Amigo, carers allowance is ridiculously low it's an insult to carers, whom, let's face it, save the Government an absolute fortune 😡

I work in Children's Social care and care packages for disabled children are being slashed to the bone. A friend is a Social Worker for Children's Services and they have had days where no children can go into care as they have no money to fund a place, it happens on a regular basis

 

[Amigo]

I agree @Amigo, carers allowance is ridiculously low it's an insult to carers, whom, let's face it, save the Government an absolute fortune 😡

I work in Children's Social care and care packages for disabled children are being slashed to the bone. A friend is a Social Worker for Children's Services and they have had days where no children can go into care as they have no money to fund a place, it happens on a regular basis

Absolutely Lucy...been on every side of that both personally and professionally. The strain on social care doesn’t only apply to the elderly.

 

[mikeyB]

There is a big hole in public knowledge either in the need, or the lack of such care. That’s how governments can make cuts to care, particularly for younger people, without a general protest. People just sit and take it, instead of taking to the streets and howling with rage.