U.K.: Who Should Shoulder The Burden Of Caring For The Elderly?

LONDON (The Telegraph), January 23, 2008: The elderly could face rising bills for home care after a Government-backed report suggested councils should scrap maximum limits on charges. Ministers have endorsed an Audit Commission report that suggests that charging the "most affluent" pensioners more for means-tested services could drive them into the private sector, freeing up more resources. Under the current rules, any pensioner with more than £21,500 in savings can be charged for personal care. Most councils cap the total fee, with the maximum weekly tariff varying from as little as £20 to £280. Who do you think should shoulder the burden of caring for the elderly? Is it unfair to make the elderly themselves meet the cost of their care? Or is it reasonable to ask those pensioners who can afford to do so to contribute more? How can we best meet the needs of an aging population? Is caring the responsibility of local councils or should relatives be more involved? Scores of TELEGRAPH readers have already posted their views on these questions. Read © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2008