Care reform ‘needs clear timescale’ – Counsel and Care

There is an urgent need for better care for older people, a national charity has said. Commenting as the appointment of a new care minister was announced by the coalition government, Counsel and Care said there needs to be sweeping reform of the care system.

An independent commission will also be set up to debate how the social care system should be funded, the government said.

Stephen Burke, chief executive of the charity, said the new government has outlined a “clear direction towards future reform of the care and support system”.

“However, the urgency of the current situation must not be underestimated,” he warned.

“We hope that the new commission will remain mindful of this throughout its discussions and keep focused at all times on the urgent need for better care for older people and their carers,” Mr Burke added.

Earlier this month, the charity said many older people do not get the support they need.