Age charity call for political harmony on social care reform

19 February 2010

Political parties should put their differences aside in order to deliver "much needed" improvement in social care for older people.

This is the view of charity Age Concern and Help the Aged, which has called for political harmony on the subject ahead of a care reform meeting to be held by health secretary Andy Burnham.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director for the organisation, said: "Reaching consensus on care is fundamental in ensuring older people and their families get the best care and support in later life.

"They've been let down by the inadequate system for far too long and unless we act now, it will crumble even further as our population ages."

Concerns about the state of social care could see a number of people looking at private care programmes to ensure a better service.

In turn this could lead to a rise in the popularity of schemes such as equity release, which can help meet the costs of care with cash taken from the value of their homes.