News
New research indicates that a worrying lack of preparation for the care of the elderly is a ‘ticking timebomb’ for the social care sector.
A report published today by the Institute of Public Policy Research and PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP highlights many families have made no plans to look after elderly relatives and are reluctant to fund their social care.
The report, which comes a month ahead of a government green paper on social care, reveals that 52 percent of families are against having a more extensive or compulsory role in the care of elderly relatives.
Around half of respondents claimed they would prefer to receive professional care than rely on family members, but few had made adequate provisions to pay for care. The report suggests only 22 percent of people are taking specific action to fund any care they may need in the future.
Many people are also confused as to what social care services are available when they reach old age, with 69 percent saying they lacked the information to plan or make adequate judgments.
“Future policy changes relating to social care must be shaped by an informed public debate. Our research shows that there is confusion about existing provision and a substantial gap between public expectations and social care realities,” said Carey Oppenheim, Co-Director of the IPPR.
"The government urgently needs to address this disconnect before it brings forward policy proposals that seek to fundamentally reform the social contract between the state and its citizens," she continued.
Amanda Kelly of PriceWaterhouseCoopers called for the government to set up an independent panel to being a public debate on social care and help inform families on the topic.
“In our experience social care is one of society’s biggest challenges. The public need and want more information about social care provision and prospects for the future,” she commented.
