In a recent report by Help the Aged, it has found that elderly people are waiting for an unacceptable length of time for long term care, and that most of them at some point have difficulty in accessing their GP practice or local hospital for treatment. Government policy is to give patients the choice about where to have their treatment, however with elderly people relying on the transport system, their choice has been limited.
The report also indicated that elderly people were not getting the care that they needed to leave the house, or to carry out everyday jobs or even manage their affairs. In some, unusual circumstances, it was found that family members are responsible for committing crimes of neglect, mistreatment and financial abuse to their elderly family members.
Our view
Care in old age is a fact of life for us all. Our advice is you need to plan for this now and not when you are 85 years old. Whilst unpleasant, think about where you wish to ‘grow old’, think about saving towards this, pensions are ideal. If you do not plan, all of your assets may be lost to care fees costs when you are older.
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