Eldercare

The rapidly ageing profile of the UK population is something that we’ve been aware of for a long time, due to the fact that people within the UK are living longer than ever before which is testament to the developments that have been made in modern science and healthcare over the last 50 years. Whilst this seems like a good news story, the fact that older people make up a growing proportion of the total population creates new challenges that millions of people within the UK are now having to deal with, namely in caring for an elderly relative.

To illustrate the demographic change that’s taking place to the UK population as a result of an ageing population with numbers, back in 2014 the average age in the UK exceeded 40 for the first time ever. By 2040, it’s projected that one in seven people will be over the age of 75. This shift is likely to create additional pressure on the provision for elderly care services in the UK and means that individuals and families will face increasing pressure to balance caring for elderly relatives with other responsibilities, particularly work.

Between 2007 and 2032, the number of people aged 65 and over who require unpaid care is projected to have grown by more than one million. Given that increasing numbers within the UK population will likely need to provide care for an elderly relative at some point in their lives, it’s important to have an understanding of the care provision that’s currently available, as well as understanding ways in which your employer may be able to help.

In understanding the range of support services currently available, there are organisations that can assist in identifying the type of support that may be required for someone that is caring for an elderly relative, which often can be the most difficult place to start. This support could take the form of homecare, home adaptations, care homes or specialist housing, but the process of identifying the most appropriate support will often begin with a care needs assessment which will help to identify where extra support may be required from social care and will lead to a care and support plan being agreed.

A useful resource for assessing the range of support services available is the Age UK website which can be accessed by clicking here.

You can also check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Programme that can help you find local support services or even long term care solutions.

In many cases, you will be able to access some support and help at no cost as this is available to everyone. If you have an elderly relative that is independent and is still living in their own home, free adaptations and equipment may be available provided these cost less than £1,000. This may include handrails for the stairs, grab rails for the bathroom or ramps for wheelchair access. These services can be requested by the adult social services department of your local council and would involve a home assessment being conducted. If the assessment finds that a change is required which costs less than £1,000, the council must provide it free of charge. Further information on the care services that are available at no cost via the NHS can be found by clicking here.

In summary, whilst there is a wide range of elderly care support services that can be accessed at no cost, the pressure that is already being placed on these services is only going to increase which will make accessing these services when they’re required more difficult. The ageing profile of the UK population is not an issue that care service provision alone can deal with. This is an issue that will need to be managed at the societal level with Government taking the lead on this, and may involve adapting the healthcare system in the UK to better meet the healthcare needs of the elderly, building more appropriate housing for the elderly, and providing better financial support for those with elderly care responsibilities.