Abolishing home care charges
The Disability Law Service has published a report that makes the case for the abolition of home care charges for Disabled adults in England.
The research that underpins the report suggests that:
- over 90% of English councils are acting unlawfully by not fully assessing the impact of home care charges they impose on disabled people;
- most councils fail to record the number of adults forced to decline non-residential care because they are unable to afford the care charge;
- the proportion of Disabled adults being charged for non-residential care is increasing and the charges are having a negative effect on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of Disabled adults and their family members;
- Disabled adults are sometimes unable to afford their basic needs, such as food and heating due to the amount of their home care charge and are, in consequence, often falling deeper into debt.
The report considers the policy of Hammersmith and Fulham LBC – the only English authority that does not impose home care charges. It finds that making home care free at the point of use has had profound positive health and well-being outcomes for those in need of home care.
To access the report, click here.