Britain's elderly to benefit from proposed care system

Health secretary Andy Burnham introduced the Personal Care at Home Bill in parliament this week, taking a step closer to improving support and assisted independence for the elderly.

The new legislation is expected to help around 400,000 people with the highest care needs, such as Parkinson's patients.

Andrew Harrop, head of public policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "Even if this Bill reaches the Statute Book, fundamental reform of the entire care system will still be urgently required.

"We call on all the political parties to set out definitive plans for reforming the system ahead of the next general election so that older people, their families and carers can judge their proposals for providing the high-quality care people desperately need."

Earlier this month, the UK Home Care Association reported that 82 per cent of publicly funded homecare is delivered by private and voluntary sector providers, under contract to local authorities and the NHS.

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