Home care

Sir, While the “massive squeeze” in public funding for homes for the elderly may bring about the crisis in care for the elderly feared by Bupa (Business, Mar 14), injecting more money into a system which is broken is not the answer. A system which prioritises institutional care as the only means of providing for the care needs of older people is unsustainable and unwanted. No one, no matter their age, wants to live in a care home.

Instead, the Government and industry must invest in a new model by improving the housing and care options available to homeowners before they are forced into a care home or hospital. By providing the option to downsize and retain equity for care, only the most vulnerable would require publicly funded support. Getting this right would provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform long-term care, to the benefit of us all.