Well done Panorama (Monday 26 July 2010) for provoking some very valid questions about the future funding of adult social care in the UK and particularly to Joan Bakewell for emphasising the point that those in need of care now do not have the time to await yet more political handwringing about how to address the issue.

While solutions for the future remain as Jeremy Vine put it “ a thorn in the side of many governments to come”, attention must surely focus on what is available now and the needs of those currently going through the process of arranging care. “Death, Taxes and Care Fees Planning! There’s never a convenient time for any of them” Margaret Mitchell put it so well in her novel Gone With the Wind (although was of course referring to Death, Taxes and Childbirth!) the sentiment, however, seems appropriate.

Those entering this ‘arena’ will experience a bewildering number of agencies frequently working at odds with each other. Indeed obtaining accurate information is in itself a challenge. I would clarify that the Asset Means Test Threshold for England is £23,250 and not £23,000 as stated in this evenings programme. It may also help to clarify what is meant by the reference to FREE personal care in Scotland, this is a reference to the payment of both a ‘Nursing Care Allowance’ and a ‘Personal Care Allowance’ and does not mean that ALL care in Scotland is ‘Free’.

We believe the first step to empowerment is knowledge and through our ‘Guide to Care Fees Planning’ we provide a truly comprehensive overview of the system you are entering.

We are also tremendously proud of our recently launched ‘Care 2 Plan’ tool, this enables those wanting information specific to their own situation to create an ‘Options Report’ based entirely on their own individual circumstances. Simply go online to www.carefeesplus.co.uk/care2plan .

I would love to hear of your experiences, both good and bad, of the care system if you have or are in the process of arranging care. This helps us model our services to the public need and to lobby government and the financial providers to find solutions for tomorrow, today. Email me please on rene@twcp.co.uk.

Many elderly people who need long term care are reluctant to leave the familiar surroundings of their home, full of memories and possessions. Some are forced to spend many lonely hours, without any companionship or assistance. Many are subjected to poor care services, neglect and/or abuse. These are vulnerable people, who should be given the level of care they need, so they can retain their dignity and be happy in the twilight of their lives.

Our experience in advising the elderly and their families is that it is common for them to feel they have no choice of who provides care and where it can be received. It is somehow accepted that low standards of care at home is the norm and you simply have to put up with it and continue to pay high fees. The average hourly rate for care at home in England is £14 per hour and this can put a strain on the capital, particularly in difficult economic times.

The fact is, those who are self funding their care (anyone with assets over £23,000 – England 2009/10) have the choice of who provides their care. Anyone who is being funded by their local authority can also choose their care provider, but family members may have to pay towards the additional costs. No-one should accept low standards of care and everyone has the right to replace poor carers with those they trust to care for them properly.

As highlighted in the Panorama programme “Britain’s Home Care Scandal” there are some companies who fall short of expected standards for carers at home and the regulator must raise the bar to ensure services improve dramatically. However, there are already excellent home care providers that we are aware of. These supply fully trained carers, many of whom live with the elderly person concerned providing them with companionship, housekeeping, social and nursing care.

We provide financial advice to those who need to fund long term care. It is even more important now that investments are not performing and interest rates are so poor that those with a little bit of capital who fund their own care obtain advice from a specialist care fees adviser. By protecting the assets from erosion, the elderly person can have total peace of mind, flexibility of who provides the care, and can retain their dignity. They may even be able to leave an inheritance for their families once they have passed away.

We have lots of useful tips and information on our website www.twcp.co.uk and you can request a free guide. The new 2009/2010 guide provides essential information on:-

Planning ahead

Local authority support

Asset disregards & deferred payment option

State benefits

NHS continuing healthcare & NHS-funded nursing care

Local authority funded cases and third party top up

Equity Release

Care at home

Selling or renting the property

Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney

Can you afford the care?

Deputyship and the Court of Protection

Immediate Care Plans – A solution to the problem

True stories

This is a very specialised area of advice, so don’t leave it to chance. For trusted advice when you need it most talk to us today.