Hidden issues?

Autumn 2008 is a critical time for the future of care and how it is funded. The debate launched by the Government in the lead-up to a green paper in 2009 has yet to engage much of the public in some of the hard choices facing this and future generations.

We need that wider engagement to convince politicians that care is no longer a ‘hidden issue’ and that solutions are needed urgently. We also need to engage younger people about getting better care and support for their parents and grandparents.


Counsel and Care is working with our partners to raise the debate this autumn. The Right care Right deal campaign – with Help the Aged and Carers UK – will be taking to all the party conferences the message that finding the right solution to care is ‘everybody’s business’. Before then, Counsel and Care’s annual Eldercare Week on 1-7 September will highlight the need to be ambitious in our vision for care and support and the importance of good advice and information to getting the right care and the right deal.


We are also launching FirstStop care advice, a pioneering joint venture enabling older people and their carers to information and advice about their care, housing and finance options. FirstStop is a partnership between Counsel and Care, Elderly Accommodation Counsel, Help the Aged and NHFA.

So a busy autumn ahead. Exposing what should not be a hidden issue but a major public concern is crucial. And ensuring that care and support in this country really are fit for the future will require extra resources when money is tight. But that shouldn’t deter us all from being bold and radical.