14.11.17
Public ‘embarrassed’ as thousands of disabled adults stuck in old people’s homes
Homes designed to meet the needs of older people are being incorrectly used to house under-65s with disabilities.
Figures revealed by the MS Society show that 3,300 people across the country are living in care accommodations without the correct facilities to deal with their needs.
In addition, a survey from the disabilities charity showed that 61% of 2,000 people questioned say they are “embarrassed” about the way the country treats disabled adults.
A further 75% of people said they would be scared for their future if they needed care themselves and 79% want the government to urgently fix the social care system, with respondents ranking it as the second most important issue facing Westminster.
“It is fundamentally wrong that younger adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) are living in older people’s care homes in such numbers,” commented Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the MS Society.
“These facilities are rarely equipped to meet all of their needs, and this can have a hugely detrimental impact on quality of life and mental health. This is just one symptom of a social care system in crisis, where one in three people with MS don’t get the right level of care.”
In the past two decades the country has seen at least 10 government consultations and reviews on social care, but have not seen urgently needed change, she argued.
“Next week’s Budget is a crucial opportunity to close the funding gap, expected to reach £2.5bn by the end of the decade,” added Mitchell. “Our polling shows the British public are appalled by government inaction and believe our country must do better to support those who need help to live independently.”
In response to fears about disabled people receiving unsuitable care, the MS Society has launched ‘End the Care Crisis’, which encourages people to put pressure on MPs and local leaders to try and increase the quality of care across the UK.
The problems with care are widely put down to a lack of funding within both NHS trusts and local authorities.
In an effort to resolve the problem, older people’s charity Independent Age recently suggested a national insurance increase of 1% across the UK.
The £5bn raised through this method would be enough to cover the current care funding gap – expected to reach £2.7bn by 2020-21.
Top image: Casarsa Guru
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