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Rising care charges threaten the weak
• AGE Concern in Camden have good reason to be worried about the impact of homecare charges on the elderly in Camden, (Letters October 16, Advice on charges), and they are to be congratulated for providing a much needed advice service.
The introduction of degrading means-testing and care charges without proper consultation on disabled and elderly people in the borough since October 2007 has meant that many have been pressured into handing over their disability benefits to pay for essential services.
Many have had to give up their care because they cannot afford to pay charges which can amount to £13 an hour for basic human needs such as a shower!
Such charges discriminate against the disabled whose everyday expenses are much higher.
A report by NCIL, (National Centre for Independent Living) and the Coalition on Charging in June found rising care charges are putting older and disabled people at risk of not being able to afford to eat, heat their homes, wash or get essential support.
These charging policies have had a severe impact on many younger and seriously disabled people who, in some cases, are now in debt with bills amounting to more
than £1,000 yet
there is nowhere for them to turn to for advice as they are under 60.
Those most in need have been refused essential expenses which help to improve the quality and independence of their life under an assessment system which is opaque, seriously flawed and has caused much distress.
There are also concerns that in some cases government guidelines have been ignored or misapplied during the assessment procedure.
For those concerned or directly affected by these issues there is a public meeting tomorrow (Friday) at Kentish Town Congregational Hall, Kelly Street, NW1, from 2-4pm.
For more information, contact Campaign Against Care Charges 07528 841614 or email camdencacc@googlemail.com or WinVisible on 0207 482 2496
Evelyn Mcnally
on behalf of CACC |
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