MP’s concern over social care cuts.
MPs say deep social care cuts are causing distress and putting NHS under huge strain.
A cross-party committee of MPs has warned that the NHS is under ‘unprecedented strain and struggling to keep pace with relentlessly rising demand’. They identified “reduced access to adult social care” as a major contributing factor.
In its report on the impact of last year’s Spending Review on health and social care, the Parliamentary Health Committee expressed grave concern about “the effect of reduced access to adult social care as a result of the cuts to funding and the impact of this on the NHS”.
Committee Chair Dr Sarah Wollaston MP responded in strong terms.
“Historical cuts to social care funding have now exhausted the opportunities for significant further efficiencies in this area. Increasing numbers of people with genuine social care needs are no longer receiving the care they need because of a lack of funding.
“This not only causes considerable distress to these individuals and their families but results in additional costs to the NHS. We are concerned about the effect of additional funding streams for social care not arriving until later in the Parliament.”
What is needed.
The Committee said that none of the senior officials who gave evidence from the Department of Health, NHS England or NHS Improvement were able to say what the financial cost was of delayed transfers of care as a result of not having adequate care packages in place.
The Government should “urgently assess and set out publicly the additional costs to the NHS as a result of delayed transfers of care, and the wider costs to the NHS associated with pressures on adult social care budgets more generally,” the Committee said.
“That assessment should be accompanied by a plan for adult social care which demonstrates that the Government is addressing the situation in social care and dealing with its effect on health services.”
There is clearly more that needs to be done. The UK has an ageing population and so how social care is treated is vital. More people are going t be relying on care – whether residential or home. Additionally, many family members will be transitioning into roles of care-givers.
The quality of social care then has huge ramifications for families, and entire communities. It is an area where funding is desperately needed. Yet, the evidence shows that the department is not getting the investment it needs to be sustainable or meet its demands.
Misinformation.
Due to the squeeze on social care, many people may not be aware of what they are entitled to. This is particularly concerning with regards to ‘top-up fees’. Many people simply aren’t informed that ‘top-up fees’ are voluntary. This only changes if the family or individual is seeking residence that is deemed as beyond the requirements needed.
This is an area of law which Just Caring Legal specialises in. We advocate strongly on behalf of families to ensure that their rights are met. No family should be forced to pay out additional charges when they are not obliged to. We guide families through this process so they receive accurate information and acquire the support they are entitled to.
If you are unsure of the facts regarding top up fees then contact Just Caring Legal today.