Care agency says proposals are a 'stepping stone'

The managing director of a Saxmundham care agency has given a cautious welcome to the proposals in yesterday’s (18th November) Queen’s speech regarding social care.

The Personal Care at Home Bill has proposed to offer free personal care to those with critical needs, such as those with serious dementia or Parkinson’s Disease.

Nicola Warner, managing director of Christies Care, a specialist provider of 24 hour live-in care said: “We welcome this proposal, which levels the playing field between those who prefer care at home and those in a care home who already receive free personal care, paid for by the NHS. With that guarantee of costs being met, we think that thousands of people will be able to stay at home for much longer than before, enjoying their remaining years in the familiar surroundings or their own home”

She continued: “These proposals, although limited to only those with ‘critical’ needs, are a stepping stone to offering elderly people the dignity of remaining in familiar, comfortable surroundings. We support any proposal which highlights the option of live-in care as a genuine alternative to residential or nursing homes.”

Nicola finished by adding; “The current information and advice about how people can receive funding towards their care costs are often confusing. We would welcome clearer guidance for the millions of people needing social care.”

For more information about Christies Care, telephone 0844 477 6460 or visit www.christiescare.com or www.twitter.com/ChristiesCare