Book Description

Care and support affects a large number of people: eight out of 10 people aged 65 will need some care and support in their later years; some people have impairments from birth or develop them during their working life; some 5 million people care for a friend or relative, some for more than 50 hours a week. The current system does not offer enough support until a crisis point is reached, the quality of care is variable and inconsistent, and the growing and ageing population is only going to increase the pressure. Consequently, two core principles lie at the heart of this White Paper. The first is that individuals, communities and Government should do everything possible to prevent, postpone and minimise people's need for formal care and support. The system should be built around the promotion of people's independence and well-being. The second principle is that people should be in control of their own care and support, with personal budgets and direct payments, backed by clear, comparable information and advice that will allow individuals and their carers to make the choices that are right for them. This paper sets out the principles and approach, with sections covering: strengthening support within communities; housing; better information and advice; assessment, eligibility and portability for people who use care services; carers' support; defining high-quality care; improving quality; keeping people safe; a better local care market; workforce; personalised care and support; integration and joined-up care.