Commenting on yesterday’s General Election result, Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of older people’s charity Independent Age, said:
“Following yesterday’s General Election, we are urging the newly elected government to prioritise the wellbeing of older people.
“For far too long we’ve seen the care people need compromised by delays to fixing the systems they rely upon. We call on the government to urgently implement personal care free at the point of use, to ensure that all older people have their every day, essential care needs met. Reforming social care in this way would help to fulfil the Prime Minister’s promise to make sure that no one should have to sell their home to pay for care.
“The government must also prioritise action on Pension Credit to change the dire situation where two in five households eligible for this support do not receive it, meaning £3.5 billion goes unclaimed every year. Pension Credit can make an invaluable difference to the lives of our poorest pensioners – many of whom are having to make choices between heating and eating.
“We look forward to working with newly elected and returning members of Parliament across the political spectrum to ensure that everyone in the UK can grow older with dignity, be connected to their communities, and live with good physical and mental health in later life.”