Leading domiciliary care voices challenge Government to secure Care Bill funding

Scheduled for implementation in just over one year’s time, the Government’s historic Care Bill is largely welcomed by the sector for measures that target the challenges of an ageing population, including the rise of dementia.

With social care budgets cut by the majority of local authorities during the course of this Parliament, however, doubt remains over the likelihood of funding levels being high enough to make the most of this opportunity.

Chief executive of UKHCA (United Kingdom Homecare Association), Bridget Warr, is among those concerned with the impact the Care Bill will ultimately have, saying: “As the numbers of people needing support to live independently grows, the current pattern of squeezing resources and reducing care will reflect progressively badly on Government policy and will attract more and more criticism.”

She continues: “Funding good care which helps people stay in their own homes is not only a moral responsibility for any civilised society, but is also cost efficient as it extends people’s well-being, reducing admissions to Accident and Emergency, and helps people return home from hospital quicker. The Care Bill gives a real opportunity to address this before it is too late, but it will take some bravery on the part of politicians to take the tough decisions required to re-direct the necessary resources from other budgets.

“It is frustrating that homecare, which is poised to be a major part of the solution to the challenges highlighted in this important report, is currently being starved of resources through short sighted policies.

“UKHCA remains willing to work constructively with anyone genuinely interested in finding a speedy, equitable and sustainable solution.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK shares similar concerns, saying: “Though it can still be improved, the Care Bill is fundamentally good legislation, but it won’t make much practical difference without the funding to bring it to life.

“At the moment we fear the reforms will be underfunded, but it is not too late for the Government to act. Ensuring older and disabled people get the care they need is what really matters.”

Anchor chief executive, Jane Ashcroft, believes the Government should also look to engage the general public more on these issues. She comments: “There is no doubt that the Government has made headway in its commitment to tackling the social care crisis. As an ageing population, it is likely that many of us will need good quality care in years to come. Sadly our research has shown that the general public remain largely unaware, and more crucially unprepared for the realities of the adult social care system.”