With the government’s Green Paper on Adult Social Care finally seeing the light of day we see a mixed bag of politically neutral proposals that face a longer journey into the light than the Green Paper itself.

As Karen and Tim outline below, the consultation period runs until November, we then await the White Paper, the publication of which may well follow a general election and change of Government.

This may sound an extremely bleak proposition but then, with the Government encouraging what it calls ‘The Big Debate’ on the the reform of Adult Care and Support in England, the electorate have the opportunity to turn this to their advantage.

By engaging in the debate, individual voices may shape the future. The results of the debate will provide fuel for any party’s manifesto into the next election, the *demographics tell us that by 2014 over 65 year olds will overtake under 16 in the UK and the over 65’s are the most likely to vote.  This fact will not escape the attention of any political party.

This presents each and every concerned care recipient, their family, care providers, charities and agencies to  make their feelings known and to drive home the need to make change to the care system a top political priority.

As a Care Fee Specialists, the prevailing comment we hear from  the families and loved ones of those receiving, or about to receive care, is the lack of a single agency to guide them through the practical process, let alone the funding.

The frustrations felt by having to deal with several different agencies, none of which seem to have the ability talk to each other, often leaves relatives drained having repeated the same story 2 or 3 times.  It is hard not to blame the individuals within these agencies but they are simply working within a system over which they have no direct influence.

You may be going through this process now for someone, you may be concerned for yourself or a relative, whatever your circumstances, your opinion matters.  Make your thoughts on the proposals put forward in the Green Paper count, The Wealth Care Partnership encourages everyone to engage in the debate.

I shall be lobbying my own local MP, Jeremy Brown, with my thoughts and am tremendously interested in hearing from you with your comments, indeed I’ll be happy to pass those on for the debate if you wish, you may contact me direct on rene@twcp.co.uk.

Remember you have until 13 November to make your voice heard and to ensure you influence the future of care in the UK, PLEASE don’t miss the opportunity.

*Government Actuary Dept 2003 projections

I am getting more and more angry with the poor level of advice being offered to people by certain professional advisers regarding the gifting of assets when someone needs care. There are far too many professionals out there who are dabbling in an area they know very little about and the result is that people are being mislead.

The rules are harsh when it comes to those people who have worked hard all their lives and have a property and some modest savings. If you have assets over £22,250 (2008/09) you will be considered a “self-funder” by social services. Gifting away those assets when your health has already deteriorated and you may need care, will not mean the State will provide. If you speak to a solicitor about gifting your house to your children or into trust, even if it is for Inheritance Tax purposes, please make sure they specialise in advising the elderly. Seek out those who are members of Solicitors for the Elderly in your area. They should be able to tell you about the rules of Deliberate Deprivation and advise you whether the gift would be worthwhile.