The first Caring Choices event has demonstrated a strong consensus that the government should invest more public funds in social care for older people, but also a growing acceptance that the individual and the family have a joint responsibility with the state for the costs of long-term care. In a wide-ranging debate in Manchester on 26 April 2007, two-thirds of participants recognised that a private contribution was necessary, while one-third said that social care should be the sole responsibility of the state. (more…)

We’re living longer, and as our population ages, demand for long-term care both at home and in residential settings is growing. By 2050 there will be twice as many people aged over 85 as there are now, and current estimates are that we will need to spend four times what we do now on long-term care. (more…)