New research by not-for-profit provider of care and housing, Anchor Hanover, has shed light on the most pressing issues facing the UK’s older people and social care workforce. The results show deepening public concern and a lack of trust over successive governments’ commitment to deliver social care reform and meet the needs of the country’s ageing population.
Tracy Manzi
The research reveals that, following successive governments’ stalling on efforts to overhaul social care funding, 69% of people do not trust government to deliver on social care reform. The crisis means 83% of the public are concerned about quality of life in older age and 82% are worried about loved ones affording decent care in older age, a 13% increase since 2018.
Older people themselves are exasperated. Ninety-one percent of people age 70+ are fed up with the lack of action on social care. A further 67% think government, businesses, and decision-makers do not listen to older people’s needs.
With billions of pounds needed to keep the social care sector afloat long-term, even with the £1.5bn injection promised in the Spending Review (Local Government Association, July 2018), the research further exposes the importance and urgency of finding sustainable social care solutions that will impact current and future generations of older people.
At present, 85% of the general population, and 91% of 16-25 year olds, admit to not planning for later life. And 74% are not financially prepared – 42% are saving money for older age, but have no idea how much, and a shocking 32% are not saving any money at all.
Pressure on Boris Johnson to deliver his promise to ensure no one fears having to sell their home in order to pay for the cost of care is high. Eighty-five percent of people would not be happy for themselves, or a loved one, to sell a family home to pay for social care. A figure that increases to a staggering 94% of those age 70+.
Motivated by seeing important issues that impact their lives continuously overlooked, a group of older people and social care workers have united to form a consultative panel that will offer its expertise to decision makers across government and business. Naming themselves the ‘Forgotten Voices’ panel, the group is formed of nine people, each with different backgrounds, a wealth of insights, and a combined age of 650.
Backed by Anchor Hanover, the panel helped shape its new programme for change, ‘Love Living in Later Life’, which sets out clear recommendations directed at government, business, public services and individuals. A total of 70,000 older people and staff are living and working at Anchor Hanover and the document is inspired by many of their insights.
Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor Hanover (right), said: “In the midst of political turbulence, older people and the social care workforce must not continue to be overlooked. The £1.5bn for social care announced in the spending review is a much-needed but temporary lifeline, as the sector battles funding pressures and workforce challenges.
“Hundreds of thousands of older people have already suffered as a result of years of inaction by successive governments. For too long, decisions have been made with little attempt to listen to those most affected. Our Programme for Change lays out a clear plan that’s shaped by older people themselves. Acting now will secure a positive future for today’s and tomorrow’s older generations.”
Social care worker Tracy Manzi, 58, is a District Manager at Anchor Hanover. She said: “Chatting to residents and colleagues about the issues affecting us, it’s easy to get cross about the obvious shortfalls and challenges. Rather than feeling helpless, we feel inspired to do something about it. The ‘Forgotten Voices’ panel is our way of positively inspiring government, businesses, and the public to show they value older people and the social care workforce, before it’s too late.”
Panel member and Anchor Hanover resident Terry Keen, 73 said: “There seems to be a hope that older people will stay quiet and ‘make do’. That’s unacceptable and simply not going to happen. I’m proud that we’re taking matters into our own hands and speaking out on behalf of other older people. We won’t be a forgotten generation. Later life should be exciting and filled with potential, but we need to be valued and supported, and for reform to happen to make that possible.”
The Forgotten Voices panel is made up of nine individuals, each passionately committed to helping solve the social care crisis and improving the lives of older people. With a series of activities and events, panel members are positively demonstrating how later life is for living.
Who’s on the panel?
Frank Fisher, 81, who is an avid walker and has completed 80 walks in this year alone. Frank began walking when his wife was diagnosed with dementia, and uses his favourite pastime to fundraise for dementia charities and other local causes.
Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor Hanover and social care expert.
Brian Fox, age 74 (pictured top) an adrenaline junkiefrom Bicester, is wing-walking on his 75th birthday at the end of September. The invigorating stunt will see him stand on the wing of a plane open to the elements. After a nail-biting tandem parachute jump five years ago to mark his 70th birthday, Brian is committed to showing people that another birthday does not mean he’ll be slowing down.
Brian says: “I’m a real adrenaline junkie and getting older hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love. I’m wing-walking as part of the launch of Anchor Hanover’s “Love Living in Later Life” manifesto, because I agree that later life should be a positive thing. I get a real kick of out of these challenges and want others to realise what’s possible in later life.”
Tracy Manzi, 58, who works tirelessly to improve the lives of residents in a number of care homes, including those living with dementia. Tracy is calling for urgent reform to social care, including a campaign to raise the profile of those working in the sector.
Jennifer Carter, 43, who strongly believes in the integration of health and social care, and for the social care workforce to be championed to avoid a shortfall of 1.1m social care workers by 2037.
Terry Keen, 73, who has cycled across the country, recovered from cancer, and has developed and launched a nationwide exercise programme for older people. Terry is passionate about older people’s wellbeing and wants to see as many people as possible staying active in later life. He’ll be touring care homes across Surrey to lead fitness sessions for residents, helping them embrace the benefits of staying active.
Terry says: “I have aches and pains like anyone else, but staying active is so worthwhile, and it does wonders for your mental wellbeing too. As an older person you have a different and unique perspective on life. I am proud to speak out on behalf of older people, to make sure our voices are heard and that positive change becomes a reality.”
Raymond Burrows, 83, who feels his local town has changed over the years, and this is isolating older people like himself.
Mimi Vallas, 97, who’s still enjoying travelling, staying active and singing in later life.
Alacia Elliot is an 88 year-old fitness instructor from Newcastle upon Tyne. runs weekly fitness classes for her neighbours in her retirement scheme. She believes later life can be very fulfilling and enjoyable, when you’ve got the right support. Alacia will be hosting a series of fitness workouts for older people to encourage people to stay active in later life. Having trained as an instructor when she retired age 59, Alacia wants government and businesses to recognise and value how much older people still have to give.
Alacia says: “My husband and I decided to move to a retirement scheme before it was too late. A lot of older people may not be so lucky. Everyone should be able to live somewhere that lets them stay active and see friends.”
Anchor Hanover’s “Love Living in Later Life” research
The Love Living in Later Life: Programme for Change calls for:
Better housing now & in the future
Improving health & wellbeing outcomes
Quality care for all those in need
Embracing age friendly towns, cities & neighbourhoods
Advancing the rights of older people
