Elderly ‘at risk’ through cuts to home-based care

A survey of GPs and members of the public by the British Red Cross revealed increased levels of isolation among the elderly, more falls and accidents and growing pressures on the NHS.

Almost nine in 10 of the 200 GPs polled warned that patients were being put at risk by a lack of social care support while 80 per cent of the 2,200 members of the public questioned said standards were being driven down.

Sir Nick Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “We all know budgets are tight but cuts and under-investment to lower-level home-based care which jeopardise patients’ wellbeing and dignity must be challenged.

“As politicians prepare to debate the future of social care it is vital they have the courage to think beyond the short-term and rethink the way care is delivered, prioritising vital preventative care which supports people to live with dignity and confidence in their own homes.”

Sir Nick called for a “dramatic rethink” to the way social care was organised so people could be kept healthy and independent for as long as possible, adding that home-based support could save the NHS up to £10,000 per patient.

Most GPs and members of the public said they believed support for people with lower needs was being cut.