The current financial situation is causing social crisis in UK with the rising costs of care homes making it increasingly difficult for pensioners or their families to afford the much needed care.
A recent research study found that the rate has rapidly risen nearly by 10% when compared with 2016. This is a heavy burden for the elderly people to afford.
The average pensioner income is unable to keep up with these rates and has risen by just 0.5% in the last year. Moreover, there is great disparity of cost, up and down the country.
This crisis became a major talking point in the General Election, with the Conservative Manifesto outlining plans for councils to cover the costs when a person’s assets fell below £100,000, as opposed to the current level of £23,250.
However, this was controversial as it would, for the first time, include family homes in the means-testing formula for at-home care. The Government had to do an u turn.
The money the Government is putting in is inadequate to meet the demand of the elderly people. The Government has to pump in more money into the system to make it easier for pensioners to receive the care that they need without families having to make huge financial sacrifices that could have a knock on effect.
Investigations by the ‘Observer’ reveal how some of the largest providers may have to pull out of supplying services because of an escalating financial crisis.
Such a grave situation will leave the pensioners in a lurch and a huge burden on their families. It is time for the Government to wake up, and promptly sort this matter as no further dillying and dallying will be acceptable.
Baldev Sharma
Rayners Lane, Harrow
