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Social care reform

Social care is rarely out of the news. Plans for reform and the debate over how social care services such as homecare should be funded are ongoing across the UK.

Why is this important?

Social care can help people with Parkinson's continue with everyday activities such as work, family life and hobbies. Assistance with day-to-day living helps people with Parkinson's maintain mobility and independence.

Local authority social care teams can provide a wide range of supporting services to people with Parkinson's. These include:

  • home help, eg help with shopping or housework
  • meals on wheels
  • personal care, eg help with dressing or bathing
  • aids or adaptations
  • residential care

Our 2008 members' survey found that 1 in 5 of those who reported having personal care needs were not getting the support they needed. 1 in 10 people thought their home was unsuitable, due to stairs or steps or because it needed other adaptations.

It is essential that health and social services are delivered in a joined-up fashion with effective communication between professionals.

Social care reform news

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In July 2010 the Coalition Government announced the establishment of a Commission on Funding of Care and Support to report within a year on how social care funding should be reformed in England. We responded to the Commission's call for evidence in 2011.

Chaired by economist Andrew Dilnot, the Commission has now published its recommendations on how the country might pay for social care in the future.

The Dilnot report recommends a limit on the maximum lifetime costs of social care for an individual. The Commission also recommends introduction of a new national eligibility threshold.

These proposals, along with others contained in the report such as increased money from the Treasury, could lead to a fairer system of care. This is both in terms of the amount people have to pay and whether they get any services from their local authority in the first place.

Any reforms to funding will need to be coupled with reforms to adult social care law in England. The Law Commission has published a welcome set of recommendations on adult social care to include:

  • more rights for carers
  • national criteria to clarify the law on what care and support people are entitled to
  • new laws to protect adults from abuse and neglect

The Government is now considering both the Law Commission and the Dilnot Commission reports.

Take action

Our consultation responses

We respond to government and other consultations likely to affect people with Parkinson's and their carers.

Find out more

To find out more, contact our Policy and Campaigns team on campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk or phone 020 7963 9307.

Find out more about how we are working to end the care crisis and improve support for carers and join in our campaigns.

You can also read our policy statements which include our position on how we believe the care system could change to benefit people affected by Parkinson's.

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