The number of older people in England needing care will "outstrip" the number of family members able to provide it by 2017. That’s according to the think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research. In a new report published today it estimates that by 2030 there will be more than two million people aged 65 and over with no child living nearby to give care if needed.
Independent Age Chief Executive, Janet Morrison, said:
“This report confirms the huge concern felt by many about who will look after them when they are older. We are already in crisis in terms of caring for older people. 800,000 older people don’t get the care they need from either the State or their families. With growing life expectancy this problem will only get worse unless action is taken now. There is a severe funding squeeze on local authorities. More money is needed in the care system however money should also be used more effectively through the use of better advice and information services. Under the new Care Bill there will be a duty of care on local authorities to establish an information and advice system for social care in their area. The IPPR report highlights how crucial this is”.