Many people have faced huge costs when needing long term care and some of these payments are so high that they have been forced to sell their homes and other assets to cover those costs. In fact, some costs have even been labelled catastrophic.
Unfortunately, there is a ‘catch’ in social reform as no changes will go into effect until at least another year. This has angered many charities that feel there needs to be something done much sooner. In fact, these changes may not even come about until long after the next general election.
It is expected that a White Paper will be released in the middle of next week that will outline what these changes entail. Also outlined will be suggested reforms for disabled and elderly services for those living in England. This is all part of a sort of progress report on how funding for social care is being managed and its effectiveness.
After the White Paper is released, Nick Clegg and David Cameron will make a review of the proposals in advance of them being put before the Cabinet. It is said that the proposals will give relatives caring for elderly or disabled persons legal rights to receiving support from the councils. This will be a first.
At the moment, if anyone has savings or property with a value of at least £23.000, they are not eligible for assistance from the state towards care, even if it is catastrophically high. Until now, the Chancellor has not been willing to endorse a commitment by government which will cost at least £1.7bn extra each year. Even so, according to The Telegraph, the ministers are very serious about reform and would be willing to seriously consider capping long term care costs.
