Partnership talks to councils for long-term care services

Chris Horlick, managing director of care for Partnership, said the provider was working with councils in Buckinghamshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire, Southend and West Sussex, to help self-funders of care to seek advice.

Mr Horlick said there were also plans to set up pilot schemes with 10 other councils.

He said the referral service would fulfil an aspect of a government White Paper on care, which is anticipated in the spring and follows last year’s Dilnot Commission on care funding.

Mr Horlick said the White Paper would call for those looking for care to have better access to information.

He said: “We are encouraging local authorities to put panels of properly qualified advisers in place whereby they can pass on their self-funders to ensure they get proper financial advice and ensure the local authority delivers a better service than previously.

“It would tick the box for the White Paper, ensuring they are delivering a service for all citizens.”

He warned that often local authorities would conduct a means test with those seeking care and if it was believed that the applicant had too much money for state support, the council would not go on to do a care assessment.

Mr Horlick said: “I would like to see a more joined up approach whereby local government, care providers, GPs, hospitals and charities understand people’s needs and have a duty to ensure people seek financial advice.”