Uk Social Care
Extended Research Essay Outline
The UK government recently proposed a cap on the amount of money that older people in England will have to pay for their own long term social care (i.e. help with non-medical needs such as washing and eating) with any costs above that cap being paid by the state.
Compare approaches to older people’s social care in UK with those that of at least one other country, considering such factors as older people’s needs, society’s attitudes and differing welfare systems. Which of these approaches is likely to be sustainable in the future?
2013
Your Name
International Study Centre
6/24/2013
Defining Social Care
There is no simple definition of social care. However, it is agreed it covers a wide range of services provided by local authorities and the independent sector to elderly people either in their own homes or in a care home. It also covers day centres which help people with daily living. Services like help with washing, dressing, feeding or assistance in going to the toilet are also included, as are meals-on-wheels and home-help for people with disabilities. (www.bbc.co.uk/health)
Social Care system in England
In United Kingdom the social care system is means-tested i.e. if one has enough income and wealth to afford the care services; it should be paid fully paid by the individual. If you live in your own home in England and are assessed by your local authority as sufficiently disabled to qualify for "social care" he amount you pay towards that care depends on the value of your assets not including the value of your home. Free social care is provided in by most local authorities at your home if one has savings below £14000. If you have savings between £14,000 and £23,250 you will have to contribute in your care costs while anyone having more than £23,250 in savings will pay for his/her care expenses in full. (www.guardian.co.uk/money)
Changes proposed to the current Social Care system
On the recommendations of the
The UK government recently proposed a cap on the amount of money that older people in England will have to pay for their own long term social care (i.e. help with non-medical needs such as washing and eating) with any costs above that cap being paid by the state.
Compare approaches to older people’s social care in UK with those that of at least one other country, considering such factors as older people’s needs, society’s attitudes and differing welfare systems. Which of these approaches is likely to be sustainable in the future?
2013
Your Name
International Study Centre
6/24/2013
Defining Social Care
There is no simple definition of social care. However, it is agreed it covers a wide range of services provided by local authorities and the independent sector to elderly people either in their own homes or in a care home. It also covers day centres which help people with daily living. Services like help with washing, dressing, feeding or assistance in going to the toilet are also included, as are meals-on-wheels and home-help for people with disabilities. (www.bbc.co.uk/health)
Social Care system in England
In United Kingdom the social care system is means-tested i.e. if one has enough income and wealth to afford the care services; it should be paid fully paid by the individual. If you live in your own home in England and are assessed by your local authority as sufficiently disabled to qualify for "social care" he amount you pay towards that care depends on the value of your assets not including the value of your home. Free social care is provided in by most local authorities at your home if one has savings below £14000. If you have savings between £14,000 and £23,250 you will have to contribute in your care costs while anyone having more than £23,250 in savings will pay for his/her care expenses in full. (www.guardian.co.uk/money)
Changes proposed to the current Social Care system
On the recommendations of the