Media centre

In response to the CLG’s Place Survey 2008‚ Age Concern and Help the Aged’s Charity Director‚ Michelle Mitchell said:

“With social care services at breaking point‚ it comes as no surprise that 70 per cent of people think older people aren’t getting the support they need to continue living at home.

“Older people across the country are being routinely let down by the social care system which is chronically under-funded‚ failing to provide basic care and denying people their independence and dignity.

“Politicians cannot duck the care crisis any longer – any political party that fails to spell out how they would reform the care system is betraying the current and future generations of older people.”

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

• The 2008 Place Survey‚ published today‚ provides information on people's perceptions of their local area and the local services they receive.
• Only 30% of people in England think that ‘older people in their local area get the help and support they need to continue to live at home for as long as they want to’. 
• Five of the worst national performers are: Lambeth (15.9%‚ half the national average)‚ Islington (16.3%)‚ Haringey (18.3%)‚ Hackney (19.6%)‚ Southwark (17.9%).
• For more information and advice about services and support for older people in your local area‚ contact your local Age Concern.

Media contact:
Vicky Smith
Telephone:
020 8765 7515
Out of office hours:
07071 243 243