News

Long-term care scheme provides valuable support

The Health and Social Security Panel has published its report on the Long-Term Care Scheme (S.R.4/2018) today. The report identifies some problems with the scheme's implementation but finds that it provides a positive support mechanism for Islanders with long-term conditions.

The Long-Term Care Scheme was introduced on 1st July 2014 and is a ring-fenced fund held within the Social Security Department. The purpose of the Scheme is to support the growing care costs of the ageing population as well as providing means tested payments and loans to people who would otherwise struggle with the costs of care.

The Panel’s advisor, Professor Malcolm Johnson from the International Institute on Health and Ageing, found that the Scheme is amongst the best internationally in terms of the balance of responsibility between the government and individuals.

Chairman of the Panel, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “Although we found there were some problems in the early implementation of the Scheme, the situation has now improved. We consider that, in general, the Scheme is a positive and well thought out system which provides valuable support to Islanders with long-term conditions. However there are still areas where improvements can be made.

“Perhaps the most crucial issue we heard about was the difficultly in accessing respite care, particularly if urgent or unplanned. Carers make a huge contribution to society by providing unpaid care and support to family members. The pressures on them can be great and Ministers should ensure they have adequate respite to enable them to continue with the care they give."