REDDITCH residents are being urged to attend a key talk on the future implications and costs of social care.
The event has been organised by Redditch Older Peoples Forum and comes at a time when care for the elderly is at the forefront of political debate.
As it stands, anyone with capital assets up to the value of £14,250 would have their care paid for by the appropriate local authority, which in Redditch is Worcestershire County Council.
Between £14,250 and £23,250, they would pay on a sliding scale of contributions. However, for anyone with capital assets worth more than £23,250, there is no cap, and in theory they could end up paying as much as it costs to provide care, minus any pension or benefits contribution.
Furthermore ‘hotel’ costs – for board and lodging in a care home for instance – are not to be capped at all.
“All this may mean people might lose their house, the house they thought would be inherited by their children,” said Councillor Pat Witherspoon, of Redditch Older Peoples Forum.
“This is a big issue. Are people even aware of the full costs of care? We want them to come along and air their views and to hear our speakers.
“This has nothing to do with politics. We want people to wake up to what is happening.”
Richard Keble, assistant director, Adult Services, Worcestershire County Council, said: “We would urge our residents, whatever age, to find out about and plan for their future and not to be afraid to think through and prepare for worst-case scenarios, including potential cost implications.
“We also encourage families to explore alternatives to formal social care, especially community-based initiatives that promote independence.”
The Redditch Older Peoples Forum talk, with two keynote speakers, takes place on Thursday, September 14 at 10am in the Ecumenical Centre, Kingfisher Walk in the town centre. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served.
More information is available on our Your Life, Your Choice website at www.ylyc.worcestershire.gov.uk
The Redditch Older Peoples Forum talk, with two keynote speakers, takes place on Thursday, September 14 at 10am in the Ecumenical Centre, Kingfisher Walk in the town centre. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served.
