Care Support Independence

A world championship-winning swimmer and two TV presenters have thrown their weight behind the Big Care Debate, the Government consultation on the future of care and support for all adults in England.

Olympian turned Strictly Come Dancing star Mark Foster has joined presenters Philippa Forrester and Cerri Burnell in adding support to four short films that use real life examples to show why care and support matters.

As the Big Care Debate enters its final week, they are asking everyone to have their say on the future of the care and support system.

“Life can change in seconds,” said Mark Foster. “For me it can be the difference between winning and losing. You can never know when your life may change forever and you may have care and support needs. Make sure you have your say on the future of the National Care Service.”

The films feature four individuals who currently receive care and support, highlighting the fact that the Government is looking to create a National Care Service that is simpler, fairer and more affordable than the current system.

The Big Care Debate gives everyone the opportunity to shape Government policy on the future of care and support by having their say on the proposals for reform set out in July’s Green Paper Shaping the Future of Care Together.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said: “The current system needs to change. I believe we can create a system that is fairer for everyone, but we need your help. This is your chance to make a real difference. There isn’t much time left until the debate ends, and I would urge everyone to get involved and give us their views.”

The debate affects everyone. In 20 years time a quarter of the entire adult population in England will be over 65 and the number of people over 85 will have doubled. Half of all men and two in three women will end up needing care, and if someone has more than £23,000 in savings, they will need to meet all the costs themselves.

Under the current system the average cost of care and support is £30,000, but for someone with dementia it could be as high as £200,000. The Government wants to change this.

One of the films features Diana Morgan, who has received care and support since losing both her legs in an accident.

She said: “I was 29, and had just started my own company when my life changed forever when I lost both my legs in an accident. I had never imagined that I would have care and support needs. I'm lucky - I have lots of wonderful friends, I do a lot of socialising, I have a great family and I love my work. I would urge people to have their say on the future of care and support, as most of us come into contact with the system at some point in our lives.”