11 March 2009

CARE/CARERS

Individual budgets pilot projects: impact and outcome for carers (26th February 2009)
This research is one of two reports to inform development of personal and individual budgets. The first, published on 21 October 2008, examined the impact of individual budgets on service users. This report, published 26 February 2009, was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the impacts on and outcomes for carers.
Report

Options for care funding: What could be done now? (4th March 2009)
Many experts, the public and the Government agree that the UK needs a new care funding system: evidence shows that the present system is unfair, unclear and unsustainable. This summary updates a Solutions produced in 2007, and suggests four costed, fairer and more sustainable methods of funding including:
  • equity release, allowing older homeowners to pay for home-based care by deferring the costs until their home is sold;
  • higher capital limits for care home fees to help those with modest assets;
  • doubling the personal expenses allowance for people living in care homes supported by local authorities; and
  • restructuring help for people in nursing homes, breaking down the barrier between health and social care.
Summary

Supporting Carers to Care (26th February 2009)
This report, from the National Audit Office, has found that although the majority of carers who receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are satisfied with the support they receive, at least a fifth have difficulties in applying for Carer's Allowance.
Report

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