UK ‘CAN’T AFFORD’ ITS OVER-65S

or the first time there are more people over 65 than under 18, say Department of Health figures.

And life expectancy has risen by 12 years to 78 since 1948.

Mr Burnham told healthcare professionals: “The care system is creaking at the seams and can’t cope.”

At the conference in Manchester, Mr Burnham admitted a postcode lottery exists for provision of local authority care.

“Some people unlucky enough to get Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can face catastrophic costs and see everything they have worked for drain away.

“We’re proposing a National Care Service, a system that is simple, fair and affordable for all.”

A DoH poll found over one in four people think a care home in old age is free. More than half think it costs £10,000 or less.

The actual cost averages £30,000.

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Tagged with: Alzheimer's disease • Burnham • Department of Health • Health • Health care • Life expectancy • Local government • Manchester

Filed under: Elderly Care

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