White paper is a step towards integrated care

Pushpa Raguvaran, Chief Executive of Housing 21, commented on the White Paper on Social Care:

“I warmly welcome the establishment of a capital fund (worth £200million over five years) to develop specialised new housing for older people. Our extra care model has been a proven success, helping people live independently for longer.

“I am pleased that the Government recognises the importance of a cap for individual spending on social care and for much greater consistency of access.

“We also welcome the additional funding to support integrated housing, health and social care. All too often, integrated services happen in spite of, rather than because of, existing frameworks. Integrated commissioning, shared outcomes and an overarching funding system which recognises the health gains of housing and social care is key to future success. Helping older people inside and outside of hospital, supporting independent living, preventing hospital admissions and providing rehabilitation services are all initiatives which we have found achieve this aim.

“Several of the recommendations of the White Paper are of key interest to Housing 21. For example, we have been supporting people to stay active and independent through our Live Active initiative. We have also demonstrated through our research the importance of good care at the end of life and welcome the proposed pilot of free care for people who are terminally ill.

 “However, I am disappointed that the White Paper has missed the opportunity to address some of the key issues around the shortfalls in funding social care. For example, many people will share my frustration that there is no timescale for making these crucial changes. Older people and their carers and families need clarity now so that they can plan effectively.”

1. For further information, please contact Wendy Gornicki, PR & Information Officer, Housing 21 on 0370 192 4338 or email wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk
2. Housing 21 is part of the Care & Support Alliance, a coalition of over 65 organisations who represent and support older people, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and their families. (www.careandsupportalliance.org)
3. Housing 21’s mission is to promote independence and choice for older people through quality care, health and housing services. It provides around 131,000 hours of care each week and manages 18,700 sheltered and extra care apartments, providing services to more than 31,000 service users.
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