31/07/06 - NHS could be denying funding for a further 75,000 older people, says Age Concern

As many as three-quarters of eligible sick and vulnerable older people could be missing out on NHS funding for their care, according to new figures revealed by Age Concern.

Age Concern estimates that around 100,000 people should receive fully-funded care, even under today’s inconsistent and possibly flawed NHS guidance, yet only 25,008 (1) received such funding in 2005-6.

A major study of care home residents (2) found that 24% in the survey – which Age Concern has calculated at around 90,000 people nationally – were 'confused and immobile and incontinent'. These are primarily health needs and should be the full responsibility of the NHS. Other people in care homes who have significant physical health needs should also be entitled to full funding from the NHS.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “Many people are still being denied the funding for their care to which they are entitled. Although there has been a slight increase in the number of people being fully funded by the NHS, we are still far from convinced that the dividing line between what the NHS should fund and which costs fall on social services or on individuals themselves has been accurately and fairly set.

“At present, the Department of Health is consulting on a national framework for fully-funded care. We urge everyone with an interest to respond. It is important to let the Government know that this sorry state of affairs cannot continue, and that people should not have to fight for their rights."

“This is yet another example that shows the NHS is often not free at the point of use – especially if you are old, sick and vulnerable.

Source : Age Concern