Today newsreader John Suchet has been talking about caring for his wife who has dementia and the heavy toll that has taken on him. (Link to BBC news story) He was quick to acknowledge the tremendous support from a specialist nurse, a service not available in most areas.

Families across the UK face a complex and confusing system that too often cannot meet their needs, or the needs of the people they care for – not available at the right times, too expensive (as many services incur charges) or simply unavailable in their area.

Imelda Redmond, of Carers UK said "At some point in our lives we will all be affected, whether we need support from the social care system ourselves, or we need it to back us up as carers. At the moment, most of us just assume that the support will be there should the worst happen, but unless we come up with innovative solutions to the failures of our social care system, we all risk being thrust into a confusing system that often cannot provide the level or quality of care we might expect."

The Government’s proposals for reform of the social care system are expected later this year and it is essential they, and all political parties, take this opportunity to work with carers, employers and health and social care services to build a clear, transparent and consistent social care system fit for the 21st century.

Note : The survey is based on 338 Respondents who completed the survey on the website www.rightcare.org.uk between November 2008 and February 2009. (Due to rounding these figures may not add up to 100%)

Do you think social care is just as important as the NHS

• Yes, it's just as important (94%)
• No, the NHS is a bigger priority (2%)
• Don't feel I know enough about social care to make the judgement (2%)