The political parties are unveiling plans to revamp the social care system, with even more emphasis on keeping the elderly at home.  This has to be good news as Gordon Brown is proposing a better system for personal care to the elderly, at present anyone with savings over £23,500 receives no state assistance at all.  Stairlifts grants are not given for anyone with £8,000 savings these are means tested.

The system includes everything from the support people receive with washing and dressing to stay in their own homes through to full-time residential care.

The majority is provided to the elderly who can no longer look after themselves, but it also includes the support given to those with disabilities.  This is where stairlifts and bathlifters and many other mobility products are a real blessing.  I am wholeheartedly behind anything or any service that can help the elderly stay in their homes, there is one thing for sure no one wants to go into a nursing home if possible.

The social care system does need a revamp, over the years the system seems to have diminished, take for example Home Helps these used to be a real asset to the elderly and now money is now given to the elderly to pay for cleaners, with less Home Helps around.  I would like to see a one stop shop for the elderly where they know they will be able to get good advice and help if necessary.

As for stairlifts and other mobility equipment the system at present is far too slow, when you need a stairlift you need one NOW, not in months and some councils it can take years.  This is not acceptable!  In fact it is disgusting, we all pay into this system and our needs should be met when needed.

Let hope this change of policy speeds things up but i don’t think i’ll hold my breath.

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