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Shaping the future of Care together

As more adults in England are living longer, the number needing care is growing. The Department of Health expects that by 2026, 1.7million more people each year will need care and support. In response to this the department has published a Green Paper which plans to set out a vision for a new National Care Service.

Under the current system a person’s care needs and the amount of care they receive is decided at local level which means there is currently no national standard of care. The aim of the Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Care Together, aims to establish reforms for adult care and support in England to create a system that ensures everyone has high quality care wherever they live in the UK and whatever their specific needs are.

The Green Paper sets out six areas that the Government believes every adult should expect from the National Care Service.  These include services to allow people to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, a national means of assessment, fair funding, personalised care and support, easy to find information and advice and a cohesive service.

To help make decisions about which of the Green Paper’s reform options should be implemented, the Government has set up the Big Care Debate which has been running nationally over the summer and will continue until 13 November.  There are four events being held in London October 15-17 which will offer care service providers the opportunity to discuss the Green Paper with ministers or senior members of the Department of Health. Leaflets supporting the Debate are available from GP surgeries and Pharmacies around the UK, and Facebook and Twitter pages have been set up.

To take a look at the Green Paper and to get involved in the national debate, visit www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk. Copies of the Green Paper can be ordered at www.orderonline.dh.gov.uk or downloaded from the DH website at www.dh.gov.uk.

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