Social Care

[rov1200]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8593118.stm

Who should take the burden for funding of the elderly?

Labour have suggested a death tax on the disceased estate of about £10,000 which goes into the pot.

Tories believe on reaching aged 65 the future recipient should contribute £8,000 insurance levy which is not compulsory. Those not contributing will have to fund themselves as now. The poor will be means tested.

Are there any other options?

[McMouse]

Family should care for the old. My Ma-in-Law is 93 and lives with us. Wouldn't dream of putting her in care home.

[ummmm]

Can't always happen though McMouse. My Nan will be 80 this year and my Grandad 86. She has dementia and he can't look after her. Although we do take her home 4 or 5 times a week she could never stay there. She recognises my face but she doesn't know who I am.

He pays for her care from his own funds.

[rov1200]

Family ties are an obvious asset and will continue whatever happens.

I believe many of the middle classes will see the new piece of legislation as social engineering once again and they will be forced to pay for other's reckless behaviour in not providing for themselves during the lean years.

[McMouse]

ummmm...........I appreciate that home car is not possible for all families, but I do know people who can't wait to ship the old folk off to a care home and let others look after them. A close friend of mine did that with his old mum because he thought it better to spend the proceeds of the sale of her house on care, rather than have the "grotty business" (his words) of looking after her. His view was that he hoped she died before the money ran out, but wasn't bothered if it did because then Social Services would pick up the tab.

[ummmm]

That's sad. The home my Nans in is a few minutes walk from my house and it's lovely. There is no 'messy' business with her, unlike my Grandad, but it would be too dangerous for her to live at home. She'd burn it down or something. He has the funds though....and all his kids are happy for him to buy their Mum the best care possible.

[jake-the-peg]

Well if you've already got someone in care the Tory proposal of a voluntary £8K "insurance" won't help you very much will it?

it also sounds like the sort of thing that you might have to start answering questions like "Have you got a familly history of dementia?" or even genetic testing before qualifying.

There are millions in the US who simply can't afford healthcare because of their history sounds a bit like this

[modeller]

There are geriactric problems and ailments such as inability to control bodily functions which would destroy the family trying to look after them. This can also be accompanied with dementia. I know of 2 such cases where this has happened.