We all know that we are living longer. Recent news that women born in 2030 can expect to live to 90 if you are South Korean and 85 if you are born in the UK is potentially good news. For men it is slightly shorter namely 84 if South Korean and 82 if born in the UK.
The lead researcher behind the recent report has said that there may be no barrier to how long people can live. Indeed a book entitled “The 100 year life” written by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott says that potentially the age a person born now can expect to live to in the UK is 105. Further, some commentators say that there is already alive on this planet somebody who will live to 150.
Clearly a longer life span is to be commended but there also needs to be a decent quality of life. This is why funding in our long term care system needs to be addressed as does the quality of the service provided. In addressing the subject collateral issues include improved diet, appropriate resources and education.
If the news about longevity is correct and there is probably little doubt that it is, the issues concerning the funding crisis in long term care in this country should be of fundamental concern to everybody. This is because it is likely that every man and woman in their lifetime will be involved with the system either for themselves personally or on behalf of someone else.
Solutions or at least part solutions have been described in previous blogs. Clearly more money is an important part of the solution. Other things such as quality of care and delivery are also important. That said these other things should not be used as an excuse to side step the real issue which is the need for substantially increased funding. As said before in earlier blogs a grown up cross party political discussion does need to be started which in turn needs to involve interested stakeholders and the public at large.
Clearly there is a long way to go and a lot of media coverage before this issue is resolved. The subject is a changing and moving target which no matter how difficult has to be resolved.
Despite all of the above it is still vital that the existing system is understood. It is the need to understand what the system can and cannot provide, combined with the need to be persistent and to get advice early that is key.
The above is an overview only.
 |
| Andrew Douglas Partner |
For a FREE appointment and to find out
answers to the questions that need answering
also to get the care you or a loved one needs
email Andrew Douglas and his team
or simply call on 0800 072 8636.
Alternatively visit our website abdcare
--------------------------
