Research by Community Care Magazine has revealed that eight in ten councils will not be meeting older people’s low or moderate care needs by next year. Ahead of the comprehensive spending review councils are already tightening eligibility criteria or increasing charges for care.
FirstStop Advice fears that many old people will get into difficulty as winter approaches. If they do not have family or friends to fall back on, or can afford to pay for care from savings then they will have to do without or if they own their own homes consider equity release as a last resort to help them retain their dignity and independence.
Philip Spiers, Acting Chief Executive of FirstStop Advice for older people says “This really is a false economy, if people with low or moderate care needs are not getting the support they need many will be in danger of moving to critical or substantial needs costing the councils far more money. Early intervention with home adaptations and community support by being preventative must, in the long-term, be more cost effective to councils ”
FirstStop Advice can help older people by explaining their housing and care options to them. The advice team can help maximize their income by making sure they claim and make the most of means tested and non-means tested benefits, help them access grants and support and, FirstStop Finance advice can put them in touch with specialist financial advisers to arrange their finances in the most effective way and where appropriate consider the pros and cons of whether equity release might be the answer.
John Galvin Chief Executive of the Charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel says “The volume of calls from older people and families on our advice lines is continually increasing. It’s essential that people seek advice and information about what support might be available to them at this difficult time.”
“Stephen Burke, Chief Executive of Counsel and Care said: "Counsel and Care is extremely concerned about the negative impact such moves towards stricter eligibility criteria will have on the quality of life for older people and their carers. We are working with FirstStop Advice to ensure that older people and their carers can access and finance the care and support they are entitled to."
FirstStop Advice can be reached on 0800 377 70 70 or by visiting www.firststopadvice.org.uk
For an information pack text INFO along with your name and address to 01142 995 707 (text charged at standard network rate).