Social care plans leave many facing hard choices

Published: 11 February 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today that the Government’s plans for adult social care would still leave many people facing tough decisions over how to pay for their care.

Janet Davies, RCN Director of Nursing & Service Delivery, said social care was a system in crisis. “While we've heard lots of talk and positive words on care costs it has been cold comfort to those facing growing care bills and the heartache of having to sell their own homes.  The fact that the Government is now showing the political will to act is welcome.”

But she added: “While the RCN is pleased to see the introduction of a cap on costs, at £75,000 we’re still concerned about how many people this will help. We’re concerned that too many will be left untouched and still face agonising decisions over how to pay their bills."

She said hundreds of people already enter the care system every week. "If it is to handle the added strain of an ageing population then we need to get social care funding right. We want to see everyone getting the help that they need.”