Majority support free personal care for older people

A survey has revealed that more than three-quarters of adults in England would support the introduction of free personal care for older people.

Independent Age says that some 78 per cent of people support the proposal, with 74 per cent saying that they would help fund it, according to research carried out for the charity.

Overall, the Homing in on free personal care report estimates that more than 330,000 older people have had to sell their homes to pay for care costs, including help with washing, getting dressed and going to the toilet, since 2000.

Sally Copley, director of Policy and Campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “These findings show that the British public want to see urgent action to reform our ailing social care system. No-one should have to sell their home to pay for care, but the overwhelming cost of dementia care – which can be at least 15 per cent more expensive than standard social care – means it’s something that happens far too often.

“The Prime Minister needs to make sure the cost of care is spread across society. It’s completely unfair that the most vulnerable are currently forced to pick up the bill. That’s why we’re calling for the government to commit to universal care which is free at the point of use. This could help eliminate the risk of people having to sell their home and will deliver dignity and security for each of the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK.”