Social care policy can lead the way

I WAS encouraged to see the Welsh Government set out plans to consider the introduction of a social care levy for Wales. It is clear that reform of funding for social care is long overdue – and given the controversy earlier in the year over plans for a “dementia tax” in England, it is time for Wales to lead the way by examining progressive models that could give us properly-funded social care.

Dementia is the condition feared most by people over the age of 55, yet social care is chronically underfunded in its current form.

This has resulted in the burden of care falling disproportionately on the shoulders of people affected by dementia, who often pay care fees which are actually higher than the cost of delivering the care they receive for support – which is frequently disjointed and variable in quality. Sometimes these costs total hundreds of thousands of pounds.

This “dementia tax” cannot continue. The system is palpably unfair, unsustainable and needs a long-term overhaul to ensure that people with dementia receive affordable and highq quality care when and how they need it. Investing in good-quality, r responsive, accessible care in the community supports the principles of the Social Services & Wellbeing Act by giving people choice, control and independence.

It also helps to keep p people in their own homes for longer rather than putting strain on e expensive hospital beds o or care homes.

Alzheimer’s Society C Cymru will do all we can to work with the Welsh Government as they explore the practicalities of a social care levy.

We need to develop something that will give peace of mind to the 45,000 people in Wales with dementia, and the thousands more who provide them with care and support. Let’s come up with a solution so that Wales can lead the way. Sue Phelps Country Director Alzheimer’s Society Cymru