Current social care system rejected by 9 in 10 people

A poll of English adults has found 89% of people believe that older and disabled people shouldn't have to bear all the costs for support with everyday tasks such as eating, washing and dressing, even if they have a small amount of savings.

Almost seven out of ten (68%) in the ICM poll commissioned by the Care and Support Alliance, of which MS Society is a member, believe that older and disabled people do not currently receive enough support with basic tasks. 

The Care and Support Alliance is urging all those concerned about the future of social care to ask their MP to help end the care crisis - you can take action now.

Paying for care

In the current system, if you have more than £23,500 in savings and need support with basic tasks like eating, washing, dressing or leaving the house you have to pay the full costs of that care.

Every adult in England has a one in two chance of needing care costing £20,000 or more, and a one in ten chance of needing care costing £100,000 or more. Once you move into a residential home the value of your house is included in calculating your savings.

The public survey results are announced one year after the Dilnot Commission's report into the funding of long term care, which suggested a £35,000 limit would be placed on the amount of money that an individual would have to pay towards their care.

Urgent reform needed

Simon Gillespie, Chair of the Care and Support Alliance and Chief Executive of the MS Society, said: "The clear message from this polling is that the current system of unlimited costs for care is unacceptable to the public.

"This gives extra weight to our call to the Government for urgent reform of the social care system which leaves too many of our most vulnerable members of society without the support they need or terrified of spiralling costs.

"A year after the landmark Dilnot report into social care funding, we are still waiting for the Government to publish its long awaited White Paper on Social Care and, equally crucially, plans for how a future system would be funded.

"The longer they hold off on reform plans, the longer older and disabled people and their families continue to go without the support they need to live decent and dignified lives."

White paper

The Care and Support Alliance is calling for the Coalition Government to publish its promised White Paper and funding progress report into long term care now - before the summer recess.

The Alliance warns any further delays are likely to hinder the progress of the draft Care and Support Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech last month, and cause even more misery to the hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people who desperately need reform to happen.

How you can help

The Care and Support Alliance is urging all those who care about the future of social care to write to their MP expressing their concerns and fears about the current system. Please send copies of your letters, and any replies, to campaigns@mssociety.org.uk.

Alternatively, contact your MP using our quick and easy e-action - It'll only take two minutes of your time.