So said NHS Confederation deputy director of policy, Jo Webber, in her response to the Government's social care green paper, published on 14 July. The paper sets out proposals for a national care service and future funding of social care for older people.
Ms Webber said: “The UK faces a real challenge in providing care and support for an increasingly aged population and it is important the issues raised in this green paper are discussed and tackled. It has been obvious for sometime that the current situation could not carry on.
“The system will only work if people understand what they are entitled to and the options for paying for it, there also needs to be clarity on the relative roles of both the NHS and local government.
“Empowering people, encouraging choice and being fair and straightforward about the options available will be vital to the provision of all types of care in the years to come.”
Separately, the Government also launched a new ageing strategy on 13 July, Building a society for all ages. With the number of pensioners now outnumbering children Building a society for all ages looks at how to make the most of this enormous demographic change.
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