Disabled and elderly people face ongoing problems in accessing NHS long term care, an official watchdog has said.
In a report published on Thursday, health service ombudsman Ann Abraham called for "clear and consistent national guidelines about who is eligible for funding".
She also said there should be robust approaches for assessing need, and enough people in place with the right skills to undertake that assessment at local level.
The report is based on evidence gathered from almost 4,000 complaints received since the publication of the ombudsman's first report on the subject in February 2003.
Stakeholder Response: Help the Aged
A spokesman for Help the Aged said:"Today’s recommendations from the Ombudsman and last weeks ministerial commitment on continuing NHS healthcare, paves the way for real progress in tackling what can only be described as a confusing anomaly in our National Health Service.
"If implemented, the six recommendations from the Ombudsman would vastly improve the existing system which has been shown to be unfair, unworkable and hugely inconsistent.
"However, we now need more than just words. We urge the Department of Health to implement the recommendations from the Ombudsman as a matter of urgency which will go some way to ensuring that older people with complex needs get the services that they are entitled to."
Stakeholder Response: Age Concern
Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern England said: "The 4,000 complaints, received by the Ombudsman since February 2003, only begin to reveal how many older people and their families are victims of the shambolic care-funding system. It is disgraceful that thousands of people, who have unfairly paid for care could still be waiting to get their money back.
"Many people tell Age Concern that information they received about care funding was patchy or non-existent and others say they were confused by arcane criteria. Some have received a pittance towards the cost of their nursing care when they should not have paid a penny.
"It is appalling that the Health Ombudsman has to issue four special reports on one issue within ten years. The report illuminates the importance of getting national criteria in place, so that eligibility for funding is clear-cut.
"The government must make it a priority to change the system to put an end to this appalling situation."
Stakeholder Response: Disabilities Trust
A spokesman for the Disabilities Trust said: "As a major national provider of services for disabled people, The Disabilities Trust welcomes the Ombudsman's comments on long-term care. It's essential that older and disabled people can access funding support to meet long-term care needs and that service providers are able plan on the basis of consistent and clear rules around eligibility. The Trust itself does not provide services specifically for older people but we do support adults with complex and challenging needs and particularly in the case of those who have for example a serious brain injury, long-term care and support is fundamental to successful rehabilitation. Unfortunately we have in the past experienced situations where confusion over continuing or long-term care funding has adversely affected the rehabilitation process, something which is of course regrettable and potentially damaging to the individuals concerned. It is also heartening to hear the minister's views too. Stephen Ladyman seems very aware of the problems and confusion over continuing and long-term care and what the responsibilities of the NHS are and we hope his intervention will stimulate changes which ensure greater clarity."
