OAPs ‘Losing Out In Care System’ Claims MP

Old people in Bridgwater are being failed as a result of inequalities in health and social care – that’s the view of town MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who is backing a campaign for care reform.

The Conservative representative this week added his weight to Age Concern’s calls for a “fundamental reform of long term care”. The organisation says that, at the moment, too many older people are being “let down” by a social care system which it describes as “confusing, patchy and unfair”.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Increasingly rationed spending is leading to care being withdrawn from all but the most disabled and many who require intensive nursing care are being denied NHS funding or are forced to put up with low standards of care.”

Recent Government moves on improving dignity for older people and introducing a national criteria for care eligibility have improved the situation but many older people are still losing out.

And that’s why Mr Liddell-Grainger says it is important to ensure that Bridgwater’s senior generations are given the care they need, as well as the dignity they deserve.

The MP said: “Improving the dignity of older people should be a national priority. We need to work together to ensure that older people get a fair and equitable deal from the health and social care system. Fundamental reform is the key to improving life for thousands who are missing out on the care they need.”