The high-profile political debate about how best to deal with rising care costs for the elderly is ‘a major step forward’ in tackling the issue, according to a Coventry law firm.
Labour announced plans at their party conference for a National Care Service, which would aim to protect life savings and stop the elderly from having to sell their homes.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have proposed their own scheme, which would let an individual join a residential care scheme for £8,000 – and guarantee they never pay for care costs for the rest of their life.
Aspects of both schemes are far from being finalised, but Lisa Gladdy, who handles work for older clients at Band Hatton in Station Square, says the problem will hugely benefit from being in the spotlight.
“For a long while, solicitors and charities such as Help the Aged and Age Concern have been trying to highlight this problem, and so this is great news that action is being taken,” Ms Gladdy said.
“Recent estimates by the charities put the average weekly care home fees at around £470 – that’s clearly unsustainable for the vast majority of people, unless they sell their assets and use their savings.
“The impact means that hard-working people are ending up having to change their wills because they cannot leave any inheritance for their loved ones.
“These announcements will hopefully lead to a change in the way elderly care is handled, which is great news.
“In the meantime, if people are worried about their will and changing financial situation, I would advise them to see their solicitor.
“There are certain ways that the people an individual wishes to pass something on to can receive some sort of inheritance, so they best thing to do is to get in touch.”
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