Shaping the Future of Care Together
On the 14th July 2009 Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced the publication of the Care and Support Green Paper. The Paper sets out a vision to build the first National Care Service in England - a service that is fair, simple and affordable for everyone. The proposals in the Green Paper are some of the most fundamental reforms ever in this area.
The National Care Service will create a level playing field and end the postcode lottery of care services. Everyone in England will be guaranteed:
- Prevention services - the right support to stay independent and well for as long as possible and to delay care needs getting worse.
- National assessment - care needs will be assessed and paid for in the same way across the country.
- Joined-up services - all the services will work together smoothly.
- Information and advice - the care system will be easy to understand and navigate.
- Personalised care and support - services will be based on personal circumstances and need.
- Fair funding - money will be spent wisely and everyone will get some help meeting the cost of high care needs.
Andy Burnham said:
"More of us are living longer - life expectancy is going up and advances in medical science mean that people with a disability are living longer. This is worth celebrating but does mean we need to radically change the way care is provided and paid for.
"Everyone will come into contact with the care system at some point - whether it is ourselves or our families and friends. The National Care Service must be shaped by the people who will use it so we want everyone to tell us what they think."
Care and support cannot be funded by individuals on their own, and nor can it be fully funded out of taxation. The Green Paper therefore proposes a range of options for funding a National Care Service and balancing local flexibility and national consistency.
Download the Green Paper and Supporting Documents from the Direct.gov.uk website.
18.05.09
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