Elderly care in England – most people are struggling

It has been reported by the Independent Age charity and Strategic Society Centre that elderly people in England struggle with looking after themselves in their own home.

The report entitled the ‘The Bigger Picture’ reveals that over 2 million pensioners struggle with the most basic tasks. Meanwhile, 70,000 of the most disabled pensioners do not get any form of paid or unpaid care at home.

The research undertaken by the organisations shows that 2 million plus people have difficulty with washing, dressing, cooking or eating.

And of the 560,000 of these with severe needs, 160,000 receive inadequate help while another 70,000 have none at all.

Amazingly just under 1 million people have help paid for by themselves or the council but this is now decreasing as state funded services are put under pressure.

Of most concern is the fact that over 30,000 older people care for others in situations considered a risk to their health and wellbeing – alone and for at least 20 hours a week.
For more on the report into elderly care in England visit the Independent Age website