28 July 2000

 

Number 6

 

Subject

 

Governments reaction to recommendations of the RoyalCommission on Long Term Care for the Elderly.

 

Background

 

The Royal Commission was set up in 1998 to:

 

Examine the options for a sustainable system of fundingfor long-term care and recommend how the cost of such care should beapportioned between public funds and individuals.

 

It reported in 1999, making 24 recommendations. In its response to the Royal Commission, theGovernment announced:

 

New investment in intermediate care rising to 900m a yearby 2003-4.

 

Free nursing care in all settings.

 

An easing of residential care costs to reduce the need forpeople to sell their homes to finance their care.

 

Statutory guidance on the amounts people should pay forhelp at home.

 

A review of the role that the financial services sectorcan play in complementing the extended state provision.

 

The Government did not accept the Commissions recommendationthat personal care, including some social care tasks such as help withbathing, should be funded from general taxation.

 

BUPAs position

 

The Governments announcement should significantly reducepublic concerns about the financial burden of long-term care. BUPA welcomes the Governments action toreduce the need for premature home sales.

 

The fact that nursing care costs will be met by the Statecould lead to a reduction in the cost of funding products and widen theirappeal. BUPA will be pleased to help inthe review of the role of the financial services industry.

 

On intermediate care, BUPA already has 10 care homes thatare equipped to provide this service to patients after their treatment in NHShospitals. We have calculated thatwithin a year we could provide intermediate care for another 6000 NHSpatients. We consider this to be anexcellent way of freeing NHS beds for new patients while providing patientswith more structured recuperation.

 

Furtherinformation: Graham Smith, Managing Director, BUPA Care Services, 0113 259 1177