End of two-tier care-home regime
Author: The Times |
Plans to scrap the two-tier system of long-term care for the elderly, which gives no help to thousands of middle-class families, will be outlined this week.
Ministers are proposing the creation of a universal system giving all families the same “basic entitlement” to help, with the same legal protection, right to an assessment of needs and help in navigating the complex fees of care homes, The Times has learnt.
Under the present means-tested system, anyone with a home or savings of £23,500 or more is classed as a “self-funder” and shut out from receiving help with finding a suitable care home, or even having their needs assessed by social services.