News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

care-old-elderly-patient-main_article_image.jpg
UK News

'The church is vital in solving the social care crisis' say Christian charities

A study has raised concerns that social care is at a crisis point as fewer people are getting the care they need.

Research by the King's Fund think tank found 13,000 fewer people received aid last year as requests for support among adults rose by 2%.

The report suggests that a rise in the older population has placed increasing strain on the care system, with 22% saying they need support but don't get it.

Carl Knightly from Faith in Later Life, an umbrella charity that works with The Salvation Army and Pilgrim's Friends Society, told Premier: "Community engagement is really important and churches are ideally placed and have a biblical mandate to serve and honour our older folk.

"There are many benefits to society that come with and through older people and church can be at the centre of supporting and empowering older people in a variety of ways, as well as inviting them into Christ-centred community."

The data shows a drop of £700 million in local authority spending over the past nine years, revealing that the need for healthcare is not being matched by government provision.

The report comes as the Labour Party announced plans for more home care packages that provide help getting in and out of bed, bathing and preparing meals.

They pledged more cash and said the plans could provide support to more than 160,000 older people who currently get no help, including 50,000 people with dementia.

Carl Knightly said: "We can't solve the current funding crisis but we can shape how our local community responds.

"Knowing that loneliness affects health negatively, anything we can do to alleviate loneliness may reduce the need for medial or social care intervention in the future."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate