Fairer social care?

Yesterday, the Government set out its vision on social care, stating that everyone eligible for social care should have access to their own personal budget by April 2013. Personal budgets can offer much more choice for people in accessing support and care services they want.

The Government also wants to see more integration with health, local information and advice, and a role for the voluntary sector in helping shape local services.

We think that these all seem like worthy ambitions, especially the promise that carers will see more money from the NHS to fund respite breaks

But many remember the last time that the NHS was given money for carers breaks and very little of that money found its way to the intended recipients

And that's the crux of the problem. Whatever national government sets out - in terms of vision or money, it's local delivery that really matters.

When it comes to social care, there's a postcode lottery in the variable quality of services - from who is eligible, to how much they are charged and major concerns about funding.

People with Parkinson's tell us they want a fairer system that provides quality care, wherever they live. If today’s vision delivers on this, then it will be worth the paper it’s written on.

What do you think of the announcement? Post your thoughts here or email campaigns@parkinsons.org.uk

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