Paying for long-term care

For over a decade JRF has been gathering evidence on how to build a sustainable funding system for long-term care: comparisons with other countries demonstrate it is possible to have a system based on needs not means testing; consumer views on which care system they would choose; options for private insurance funding; and an evaluation of the Scottish care model. Over the same period, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) has demonstrated different funding models, centred around residents' needs, in practice in care schemes around the UK.

Drawing on this knowledge and experience, JRF believes any new model needs to be fair, sustainable, clear, and deliver quality services that older people would choose and want.

Many experts, the public and the Government back up this view. Stakeholders would consider a new shared funding contract between individuals and the State (www.caringchoices.org.uk, 2008) but we need political consensus to create this, and clarity on the sort of model both current and future governments envisage.

Key work

Contribution to big debate on care and support in England

JRF is keen that any new system supports radically different ways of framing 'social care' in relation to human rights, citizenship, voice, choice and control, fairness and sustainability. Therefore, JRF is contributing to the Department of Health's Big Debate by:

• working in partnership with Shaping Our Lives (who champion the views of current social care service users) to put together a response to the Government's Green Paper consultation 'Shaping the future of care together'.
• holding intergenerational social care debates on care costs, and the role of family and community.
• commissioning Viewpoints to stimulate debate:
  • Identifying a fairer system for funding adult social care;
  • Reducing gender inequalities to create a sustainable care system;
  • Duty and obligation – the invisible glue in services and support;
  • Care and support – a community responsibility?;
  • Does anyone care about fairness in adult social care?;
  • What future for care?; and
  • Rethinking social care and support: what can England learn from other countries?

Evidence on paying for long-term care

Recently, JRF produced four costed solutions that would immediately put the current system on a fairer footing whilst we wait for longer term reform. See Options for care funding: What could be done now?

Housing with care funding models for older people

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT, JRF’s sister charity) operates different funding models that are understood by all and benefit those on lower incomes. These create flexible pots of money that can be used to achieve what older people actually want and need. See www.jrht.org.uk

Equity release task group

JRF has been running a task group since 2008 to determine if equity release products can help older people (on incomes low enough to qualify for pension credit) pay for additional help at home. The group is made up of representatives from older people's organisations, local authorities, private insurance providers, the Financial Services Authority, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Department of Health. Three English local authorities will test equity release schemes from November 2009 to see if they can be replicated. An event launching this initiative will take place in London on 27 January 2010; the evaluation results will be available in 2011.

Examples of personalised support

JRF evidence from Newcastle shows that bespoke support for older people can be developed. See Creating a stronger information, advice and advocacy system for older people.

Intergenerational issues

• JRF held two consultation events in York and Bradford to encourage generations to mix and get younger people thinking about their future support needs

In Wales

• JRF responded to the Welsh Assembly consultation on Adult Social care
• JRF held an 'Independent living and care' event in Cardiff in May 2009

In Northern Ireland

• JRF held an 'Older people: choice and independence' event in Belfast in February 2009
• A JRF Round-up of evidence relevant to empowerment work in Northern Ireland will be published 30 November 2009