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Ageing population facing healthcare 'timebomb'
Ben Bailey21 Sep 2009
Health Secretary Andy Burnham will speak later today about the healthcare "timebomb" facing Britain's ageing population.
Huge pressures are being put on existing care services in the UK as people live longer and need more resources to look after them.
In 1948 life expectancy was 66 while today it is 78, and for the first time there are more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18, according to figures from the Department of Health.
But a survey from the department reveals that the majority of the public is in the dark about the costs they will have to pay if they need long-term care - which half of men and two-thirds of women will need at some point in their lives.
The poll showed that more than a quarter (26%) of people thought residential care in old age would be free, with the Government meeting the cost.
But care and support is means-tested and anyone with assets of more than £23,000 can expect to pay at least some of the costs, which can reach up to £200,000 for a person needing care for dementia.
More than half of those (51%) questioned expect the costs of residential care in old age to be £10,000 or less.
Actual costs of care for a 65-year-old average £30,000 in retirement, but could be much higher.
Mr Burnham said: "The current care system is creaking at the seams and can't cope. We're proposing a National Care Service - a system that is simple, fair and affordable for everyone.
"We know that people worry about getting old but many don't realise they might have to foot a large bill if they need care.
"I don't want people to worry about affording care - that's why we're revolutionising the care and support system."
The Government has published a Green Paper, Shaping The Future Of Care Together, and launched a consultation exercise, the Big Care Debate, to ask for the general public's views.
Mr Burnham added: "We're having a Big Care Debate in England and asking people how they want to pay for care - have an insurance system, something that's comprehensive or just part paid for.
"This will affect everyone - everyone should have their say."
The study also showed that 87% of the population worry about getting older, with the main concerns being losing their memories (54%), illness or infirmity (54%), loneliness (39%), poverty (38%), and being a burden (34%).
The Department of Health survey questioned 2,003 adults in England between July 13 and 22.
Mr Burnham will give his speech to healthcare professionals at the Renaissance Hotel in Manchester.
Reader views (1)
This is one area where cuts in spending simply won“t work. The more life expectancy increases, the greater the poulation above 65 and the higher the costs to operate the care services. Cut spending in this area and health care for the elderly will suffer.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 21/09/2009 15:37
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