| |
Join the big care debate
• YOU may be interested to know that the government is outlining a new structure for social care in its Green Paper, the Big Care Debate. The government suggests a fair and simple service based on a national assessment process, fair funding, advice and information and better prevention services. But what will this mean in practice?
The government asks us to think about how these services will be paid for? It suggests everyone pays a contribution to care, if they can afford it, into a state insurance scheme, or that government pays three-quarters of the costs and we pay a top-up, or that we get insurance to cover this top-up.
There is a suggestion that these changes will see the end of attendance allowance, a tax-free benefit, paid at present to all over-65s with a physical or mental disability, to help them with the cost of independent living.
The government is clear that the present system will not remain. It tells us that no change is not an option. The issue for Islington residents is how to influence these changes to best meet their needs.
Islington LINk, the community voice for health and social care, has invited a representative from the Department of Health, the director of social care for Islington and a member of the RNIB campaign team to a public discussion on these issues at the Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, from 2pm to 5.30pm on Monday. To book a place, call Emma or Sophie at Islington LINk on 020 7354 6372. These changes will affect everyone, and this is a chance for Islington to have a say.
The closing date for the consultation is November 13, so Islington LINk will ensure it has volunteers on hand to help people complete and submit their responses.
Islington LINk is a statutory body which is independent of the government, council and health service. It receives funding to help the community to influence improvements to service and to have their voice heard.
Olav Ernstzen
Islington LINk, N1 |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
