Age UK uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our policy. To read more about how we use cookies and how you can control them read our cookie policy
Skip to content
Please donate

Care in Crisis

Day-to-day tasks that many of us take for granted – like getting dressed, using the toilet, making a meal, or getting to the shops – can be almost impossible for many older people without help. Older people should be able to live well, not just survive, and the right care and support can help them do this.

But right now 1.4 million older people are left to struggle each day without that support.  We need to ensure that they can access the care that will help them stay safe and prevent even more strain on a system that is on the edge of collapse.

We care about social care

Read what other people are telling their MPs about the care crisis and add your message to the campaign. 

Read more

'Why call it care when nobody cares?'

We asked 127 older people and their families, around the country, about the social care system, its successes, failures and how it could be improved. Our video shares some of their stories. Read our campaign report to find out more.

Read our report

The current state of care

A number of issues need to be addressed:

  • Underfunding – in the last 5 years there has been a £160 million cut in total public spending on older people’s social care despite a rapidly increasing demand because of our ageing population
  • Postcode lottery – despite the 2014 Care Act introducing a national system of eligibility, local variation is still leaving many older people without any support
  • Unmet need -1.2 million people aged 65 plus don’t receive the care support they need with essential living activities
  • Declining access – cuts in local authority care services have placed increasing pressure on unpaid carers

Where do we go from here?

We need to make sure that Theresa May keeps her promise, made in March to ‘put the state-funded system on a more secure and sustainable footing.’

We need the Government to follow through on its commitment to a Green Paper consultation without delay.

The consultation is a great opportunity to think about what kind of a society we want for ourselves, our parents and our children, and we need to ensure that we find a sustainable solution from a meaningful consultation period.

Tell your MP to care about social care

Together, we'll show politicians they can save money and give people the care they need.

Share this page

Last updated: Nov 16 2018

Become part of our story

Sign up today

Back to top