Sir,

Help the Aged, Counsel and Care and Carers UK warmly welcome the focus by The Times (reports, Jan 14, 15 and 16) addressing the state of care homes. The Government has recognised that social care is an urgent priority for action, yet we share a legitimate concern that given the current economic crisis, social care will be pushed to the bottom of the political pile.

Right care, Right deal — a coalition of our three charities — is campaigning hard in advance of the Green Paper due in the spring. However, urgent action to address the calamity of social care is needed now. That said, the situation is not all doom and gloom — there are also outstanding examples of good practice and support that can be demonstrated. For example, the My Home Life project is doing sterling work highlighting the positive outcomes of the fulfilment that can be achieved while residing in care homes.

By the year 2017 more than a quarter of the UK population will be over 60. For policymakers, the implications should be obvious: investment in and reform of the social care system cannot be ducked lest the problems inherent in the system become the only story.

Paul Cann
Director of Policy, Help the Aged

Stephen Burke
Chief Executive, Counsel and Care

Imelda Redmond
Chief Executive, Carers UK