The Big Care Debate

The government is urging everyone involved in care and health services to have their say following publication of its Green Paper: Shaping the Future of Care Together.

The Big Care Debate is a 16 week consultation during which staff, stakeholders and the public are invited to say which of the paper’s reform options they would like implemented. It will run until the 13 November 2009.

The paper sets out three main choices for reforming and funding adult social care in England these are:

Partnership – where the Government pays a quarter to a third of the cost of care or more for those on low income. This would apply to people of all ages.

Insurance – where the Government covers a quarter to a third of the cost of care and people would have to take out insurance to cover the remaining costs. This system would be for people over retirement age.

Comprehensive – where everyone pays into a state insurance scheme, whether or not they need care, and everyone gets free care when they need it.

The government also stipulates every adult should expect:

Prevention services - appropriate support to help individuals stay independent and well for as long as possible and to stop their care needs getting worse.

National assessment - care and support needs will be assessed in the same way and the same proportion of care paid for any where in the country.

Joined up services - all services will work together smoothly, particularly at assessment stage.

Information and advice – that people can understand and use to find their way through the care and support system easily.

Personalised care and support – provided services will be based on an individual’s circumstances, needs, preferences and desired outcomes.

Fair funding - money will be spent wisely and everyone who qualifies for support will get some help meeting the cost of care and support needs.
Thousands of health and social care organisations and employees will be affected by the changes. They will be required to:

-Participate more in joined up working
-Offer a wider range of services
-Innovate and improve the quality of what they provide

The Department of Health is in the process of formulating an action plan for training and developing the workforce.

Click here for details.