Care Forum Wales (CFW) has called for a ‘national fee model’ to end the ‘postcode lottery’ of care funding.
The call came as CFW launched its manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections in May.
CFW chair Mario Kreft said: ‘Essentially, we are campaigning for equality for vulnerable people, many of whom have dementia and cannot speak up for themselves, so they can have the same funding towards their care, no matter where in Wales they live.'
The care provider body said care support from the nation's 22 councils and seven health boards for identical needs could differ by as much as £20,000 a year per person.
Kreft said: ‘When care providers are underfunded, hospitals overflow, waiting lists lengthen and outcomes worsen. Investing in care isn't optional. It is essential for the future of our health service.
‘You cannot build a stable care system on short-term funding. We need core, long-term investment so local authorities can plan properly and citizens know they will receive the support they need, when they need it.
‘This is a pivotal moment. The decisions made by the next Welsh Government will shape social care in Wales for a generation.
‘We are urging every political party to put fairness, sustainability and dignity at the heart of their plans.'
Lee Peart is editor of Hemming Group’s Healthcare Management magazine.
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