Care Services Minister Shaping The Future Of Care And Support In London, England

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 27 Oct 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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People in London will today have the opportunity to shape Government policy and tell the Care Services Minister Phil Hope what they think about the future of the care and support system in England.

In 20 years time the number of people living in Greater London over the age of 65 will have risen to over 1 million, and the number of people over 85 will have risen to over 140,000.

As a result, the care system must change to meet the changing needs of society.

The engagement on the future of care and support involves members of the public, people who use services and their families joining the Care Service Minister Phil Hope to discuss their views on what kind of system they want to see in the future, as well as how it should be funded.

Phil Hope said:

"At the turn of the century there were 19 people working for every one retired. That number has now decreased to four working for every one retired. It's vital I discuss, with the people of London, how we can create a high quality, affordable care and support system for a rapidly ageing population.

"The care and support system for the future should promote independence, choice and control for everyone. We are committed to creating a system in the future that meets the individual needs of our ageing population and their families. I urge people to get involved - the reform affects us all."

In 20 years time a quarter of the entire adult population in England will be over 65 and the number of people over 85 will have doubled. We expect over 1.7 million more people to have care and support needs in 20 years time.

Millions of people across the country are involved with providing and using care and support. This reform is about finding a new way to help people stay active, care for family members, retain maximum dignity and respect and have the best possible quality of life.

Members of the public can contribute their views through a website http://www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk

Care and support describes the activities, services and relationships that help people to be independent, active and healthy, as well as able to participate in and contribute to society, throughout their lives.

It is about helping people to do day-to-day things like:

- living in your own home
- working
- cooking
- shopping
- caring for a family.

Department of Health, UK