Anchor Publishes Guide To New Care Act
Older people’s charity Anchor has launched a guide to the massive changes in the adult care sector due to come into effect as a result of last year’s Care Act.
Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people, has published a free Guide to the Care Act in advance of the changes.
From April this year, the Care Act (2014) will require local councils to focus on preventing health problems, rather than simply responding to existing needs, and ensure individuals have all the information they need to take control of their own care.
Various funding reforms will then take effect from April 2016, designed to protect older people from substantial care costs. Anchor’s guide explains what the changes really mean, covering topics like the Government’s £72,000 care cap and how the local council will assess a person’s assets.
Anchor has clearly defined potentially confusing aspects of the new legislation, such as assessments of people’s entitlement, care and support plans, and independent advocacy services.
The guide also highlights what impact the Act will have on local authority funding and support processes, , new recognition for informal unpaid carers and how the Care Quality Commission’s latest ratings can help when researching care providers.
Anchor’s Guide to the Care Act is available to download free from: http://www.anchor.org.uk/help-and-guides/guide-to-the-care-act-2014-how-it-affects-you.
Jane Ashcroft, Chief Executive at Anchor, said: “Anchor’s Guide to the Care Act details the key changes as a result of the legislation and provides all the information required for anyone with care and support needs to make informed choices.
“Anchor takes a very person-centred approach to care, and we welcome this legislation as another way for older people to control their everyday lives.
“We hope our free guide will help older people to fully understand what the Care Act means for them, so that they can worry less and continue to enjoy their life, safe in the knowledge that they have made the right decision about their care.”
Anchor would encourage those without immediate care needs to still read up on the Care Act to fully understand what issues possibly lie ahead for them. To help older people plan their later life, whether it is in a care home, retirement housing property or a retirement village, the charity has launched its Grey Matters guide which can be used by older people to discuss these options with trusted friends and family. This guide is available at www.anchor.org.uk/greymatters
