ADASS responds to Health Foundation report on adult social care funding pressures

Responding to the Health Foundation report, which estimates the future funding required for adult social care in England to meet care needs as we live longer and to improve people’s care, President of ADASS said, Jess McGregor said: 

“Adult social care at its best transforms lives. It enables millions of us to live the lives we want to lead, where we want live. It supports us to work; to socialise; to care and support family members; and to play an active role in our communities.  

“However, we know the current social care system is not working for thousands of people and families across the country who are waiting for care, feeling forced to give up their jobs to care for relatives. 

“This report shows that as we all live longer, and many of us with illness and disability, our need for good social care is increasing, but to improve quality, access and attract people to work in care and support, the Government needs to commit to ambitious reform and proper investment.   

“We’d argue that building a network of care and support that works for everyone is a prize worth investing in. This will save money in the long term because good social care enables us to live safely and stay independent in our homes for longer, it reduces pressure on our NHS by preventing people reaching crisis and needing hospital and allows people to continue to work and care for others.  

“As the Casey Commission kicks off and we await the Spending Review, now is the time for the Government to show courage and drive forward its agenda on adult social care to create a care system for older and disabled people that we can all be proud of and to create a legacy for future generations.  Our new campaign #CareCantWait shows what is possible when we get care right for people, but we need to act now to ensure its there for all of us, when we need it.”