elderly care-they deserve much more

SOURCE-By Philip Spiers FirstStop Advice

Why are we not actively encouraging elderly people's families to help care for them? Surely it is cheaper to pay them a wage than it is to fund care homes? I understand some have complex needs. But, as my time as a carer has taught me, most want company and a cup of tea and a hot meal. Sarah Moorby, Kendal.

The NHS and social services are under resourced! No wonder they struggle to give adequate care. "Concerned".

The Dilnot Commission's proposals are specifically about England

This is clearly so and recent polls have suggested that people are quite prepared to contribute towards a social care system in partnership with government. It requires the government to look at ways of funding the shortfall, which has been estimated previously at a cost of around £4bn compared with the £1.7bn estimated to implement the Dilnot Commission's recommendations.