Two-thirds of people believe social care needs greater Government support while the vast majority have little confidence in the current system, a survey reveals.
A poll of more than 4,500 people commissioned by the Care and Support Alliance (CSA) – a consortium of 75 charities – found 60% of those questioned do not believe they will receive sufficient care.
This figure rises to 70% among those over 60 in what CSA chair Richard Hawkes described as ‘a real vote of no confidence’.
'The message from the public is loud and unambiguous,’ said Mr Hawkes. ‘They are worried about who will care for them or their loved ones, if they can no longer do basic things for themselves.
‘Above all they want the Government to invest more money in the system.
‘Every day, our 75 organisations hear horror stories of older and disabled people who struggle to get the support they need to simply get up, get dressed and get out of the house.
‘This is also putting unbearable pressure on family carers. Chronic underfunding has led to a dramatic rationing of care. We need a long-term funding commitment for social care by the Government.
‘The new Care Act, and the Better Care Fund, are bold and ambitious bids to address the crisis, and move us closer to a preventive, more integrated, system that keeps people out of crisis and living independently.
‘But unless care is properly funded it will be the next Government’s first crisis.’
