Homecare Association welcomes Liberal Democrats' plans for social care
The Homecare Association welcomes the Liberal Democrats' ambitious plans to reform social care in the UK. We are happy to see a renewed emphasis on helping people live well in their own homes and supporting care workers and unpaid carers.
We particularly welcome the emphasis on free personal care, based on the model introduced in Scotland. Providing free personal and nursing care would enhance quality of life, improve outcomes, and reduce strain on the NHS.
The Homecare Association believes that investing in social care should be a top priority for the country. The Liberal Democrats estimate their plan will cost an additional £2.7 billion per year, though the Health Foundation suggests the extra cost could be closer to £17 billion annually by 2035/36. Although a substantial sum, £17 billion is still just a fraction of the £179 billion spent annually on the NHS.
This level of investment would help to meet unmet need, improve access to care, and ensure fair pay and terms and conditions of employment for care workers. It would pool risk, as we do for health, and limit catastrophic care costs, which means people could avoid having to sell their homes to pay for care. By investing in social care and public health, we can prevent illness, alleviate strain on the NHS, and decrease waiting lists.
Commenting on the pledge, CEO of the Homecare Association, Dr Jane Townson OBE, said:
"The Liberal Democrat plans for social care reform are a welcome and ambitious step forward. However, analysis suggests we need an extra £17 billion annually, rather than the £2.7 billion outlined, to truly transform the system.
With 1 in 4 of us set to be over 65 in just 25 years' time, we urgently need a cross-party approach to investing in social care, supporting care workers and unpaid carers, and empowering people to live well at home.
The Homecare Association looks forward to working with all parties to seize this opportunity for bold reform. We must build a future in which all of us can access the high-quality care and support we need to live well at home and flourish in our communities."