Age needs one voice. Now it has:
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern England and
Help the Aged in England.
Social care is the phrase used to describe help and support for people - both personally and practically - enabling them to lead as independent a life as possible.
Social care covers a wide range of services, both private and public, and can include anything from help getting out of bed and washing, through to care homes and drop-in centres.
This is in contrast to primary health care and services, carried out in hospitals
Social care is means-tested in most of the UK at the moment and many councils only give support to people who are classed as having substantial or critical needs, meaning state support is not available to many.
Where to start with arranging social care and support
Social care funding - your questions answered
How much do you know about social care? We bust 5 myths
Introduction to help at home
How to find care at home
Advice about paying for care and support at home
What are personal budgets and how will they help?
The Government promised a new Social Care Bill when elected in 2010.
To begin with, the Coalition set up the Dilnot Commission to make recommendations for changes to the funding of care and support in England. These results were published in July 2011.
The Government then waited 18 months - until February 2013 - to announce how people will go about paying for care in the future.
Government to announce care costs cap (11.02.13)
Age UK's reaction to the Social Care White Paper
Find out more about the Dilnot Commission
What do the Dilnot Commission's recommendations mean for you?
Awareness about the current crisis in the social care system is steadily gaining momentum and more and more people are pushing the Government to act.
Social care reforms a 'missed opportunity' (12.02.13)
Nearly 20,000 fewer older people receive care (08.02.13)
Huge rise in health and social care spending expected (31.01.13)
Coalition mid-term review short on detail (08.01.13)
Benefits trade-off 'could see fairer care system' (03.01.13)
Cuts damaging care for older people, survey reveals (03.12.12)
'Lack of dignity' in care system (23.11.12)
Care crisis hits WW2 veterans (11.11.12)
'Independent living' fund announced (30.10.12)
Care homes damaged by 'culture of negativity' (25.10.12)
'Care system in danger of collapse' (24.10.2012)
Archbishop of York calls for Government action on care (22.10.2012)
Social care is most important issue for voters (10.10.2012)
Treasury urged to pay £2bn care funding gap (24.09.2012)
We offer a wide selection of information and advice on your housing options - whether that's a residential care home, or something else.
Need to move home? Is a care home really the answer?
Care homes - 6 things to think about
Information on finding the right care home
Paying for permanent residential care
Set your location to see what Age UK offers in your local area.
We have a variety of aids to help you feel safe and move around with ease at home, including stairlifts, personal alarms, bath lifts and assistive furniture.
Donate your property to Age UK and enjoy security and peace of mind. We’ll support you to stay living there and help you with maintenance, and with the costs and worries of home ownership.
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