Give 65-year-olds automatic Japanese-style health MOTs, social care report urges
The move to a preventative approach would likely lead to a better quality of life for older adults and potentially fewer care home admissions, the Institute For Public Policy Research (IPPR) said.
The think tank has set out a plan to stop the 'spiralling costs' of adult social care, referring to a £23.3 billion bill for local authorities in 2023/24.
Its findings are supported by Sir Andrew Dilnot, the architect of reform recommendations more than a decade ago, who said the 'yawning and indefensible gap in our collective welfare provision' must be addressed urgently.
The state of adult social care in England is under review by the Casey Commission, which aims to set out a plan for how to implement a national care service, as promised by Labour in its election manifesto.
The first phase of the review is expected to report next year, although recommendations from the initial probe will be implemented in phases over the course of 10 years.
Social care leaders have raised concerns over the potential timeline of 2036 for some reforms to be introduced.
The second phase of the commission, setting out longer-term reforms, is due to report by 2028.
The IPPR has set out its own recommendations, insisting that there should be a 'right to live and age well' as part of any reforms.
Among the measures suggested in its latest report is automatic assessment of the care needs of all adults turning 65 as well as those receiving other disability-related benefits.
The report stated Government 'should look to the Japanese model of proactive assessments' and while funding will be needed for such a move, 'a more effective state social care system would invest in, not drain, the economy'.
The report said Japanese people are automatically assessed for a range of support including home-based help with cooking and dressing to residential respite and some nursing or medical care for long-term conditions when they turn 65 years old.
It stated: 'Care is managed by community comprehensive support centres, which employ long-term care specialists, care managers, and social workers.
'This model emphasises preventative care and home-based services, reducing both cost and reliance on institutional care while supporting family caregivers.
'Japan has half the number of people in care homes as the UK, despite a much older population.'
The report's other recommendations include investment in exercise groups and community centres to support older people and those with disabilities to stay healthy and active, as well as further training and development for carers, enabling them to give more personalised care.
The IPPR also argued there must be a care costs cap, based on Dilnot Commission recommendations, but with additional central Government funding.
Proposals for an £86,000 cap on the amount an older or disabled person would have to pay towards their social care support at home or in care homes were scrapped by Labour last year.
Sir Andrew, who chaired the 2010 commission into adult social care, said the IPPR paper 'argues powerfully and persuasively that good social care provision can be a wonderful way of enhancing human flourishing'.
He added: 'For far, far too long we have had a social care system that fails us all – those who need care, those who provide care, and those who might need care in the future.
'Acting now can transform lives for those with care needs, create a vibrant and exciting care sector, and finally fill this yawning and indefensible gap in our collective welfare provision. Let's do it.'
Sir Andrew previously deemed it 'completely unnecessary' to wait three years for the commission's longer-term recommendations and argued it is 'perfectly feasible' for the Government to set out by the end of this year what it is going to do.
IPPR research fellow Dr Annie Williamson said: 'A proactive approach to adult social care, including universal MOT-style assessments at 65 and early support, could help people maintain independence for longer while reducing long-term costs.
'A shift to prevention will mean fewer care home admissions, better quality of life for older adults, and more sustainable funding. As the UK grapples with rising demand and strained budgets, this kind of forward-thinking reform offers a way out.'
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will shift healthcare from treatment to prevention to help people live longer, healthier lives.
'This includes diagnosing and treating conditions earlier, predicting and preventing problems before they become serious, and helping people to live healthier lifestyles.
'At the same time, Baroness Casey has begun her work on the Independent Commission into adult social care, which will start a national conversation and provide recommendations for a National Care Service that is fair and affordable for all – and works alongside the NHS.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Falkirk councillors support push for young carers to get a break
Members also agreed to support the annual Young Carers Action Day and sign a covenant pledging their support Falkirk councillors unanimously agreed to give their support to young carers and push for their right to get a break when needed. At a meeting of Falkirk Council this week, a joint motion was proposed by Labour Councillor Anne Hannah who highlighted the "fantastic job" that carers do - in particular young carers. She said: "At the end of this week, we will be going into recess and many of us will be going off to have a break. Carers do not have that option and young carers are often doing a job 365 days a year or 366 in a leap year." Her motion asked the council to write to the Scottish Government asking it to support young carers' right to a break. Councillors also agreed to sign up to the UK wide Young Carers Covenant and support the annual Young Carers Action Day, which takes place in March. Cllr Hannah said: "There will no costs involved to the council but we are asking the Scottish Government to take up this issue." She praised the work that is already being done to support young carers but added: "We can always do more!" The SNP's Councillor Fiona Collie seconded the motion and said she was very aware of the excellent work that is being done in Scotland, although she agreed "there is much more to do". Cllr Collie said she herself had cared for her disabled father, adding it was an experience that: "I would and could not regret for a moment". "I value every second we had with him - but it came at a cost," she said. "Being a young carer or young adult carer brings significant challenges in all areas of a young person's life - often reduced educational opportunities and life chances, with a life much different from their peers." But, she added: "We can change this picture. It's important that we support young carers as early as we can and make a commitment to doing so across the services that we provide young people." Cllr Collie told the meeting : "I didn't know I was a carer. I had no idea that I'd been one. "It's testament to the work of Young Carers and the organisations working with them that today we are talking about young carers, Young Carers Action Day and the covenant and how we as councillors and as a council, and through the HSCP can deliver the support that they need to thrive." Councillors from all parties and Independents gave their support to the motion unanimously.
Times
5 hours ago
- Times
Pubs brew up a battle over plan to restrict alcohol advertising
Proposals for a ban on alcohol advertising are 'disproportionate, misguided and economically damaging' and will deter investment in the battered pub and beer industry, the sector's trade body has warned. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has cautioned that a ban on advertising alcohol, which is being considered by the government as part its ten-year plan for the NHS, would deter investment and growth 'and runs counter to the ambitions Labour has set for Britain'. In a letter to Wes Streeting, the health secretary, the BBPA said that while it supports efforts to improve public health, the government's proposals to restrict alcohol advertising, 'particularly those modelled on junk food marketing rules, are disproportionate, misguided and economically damaging'. • Government could ban alcohol adverts in ten-year plan for NHS Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the trade association, whose members brew more than 90 per cent of British beer and own over 20,000 pubs, said the proposals would 'push many businesses over the edge' in the sector, which has already been hit with soaring employment costs from October's budget as well as reductions in business rates relief and packaging reforms. Nearly 300 pubs closed in England and Wales in 2024, equivalent to six a week, according to BBPA data. 'The proposed advertising restrictions would not only add further cost and complexity but also undermine the sector's ability to responsibly promote its products,' the letter said. 'The vast majority of alcohol consumers drink in moderation, and there is scant evidence that advertising bans reduce harmful consumption.' The BBPA's letter was sent in response to numerous reports that proposals for an advertising ban are under consideration for publication next week as part of Streeting's pledge to shift the focus of the NHS 'from sickness to prevention' as part of efforts to improve care, cut waste and make the most of a £30 billion a year boost given to his department in this month's spending review. • Alcohol labels should warn of cancer risk, urge health groups Recent drafts of the ten-year plan are understood to have included plans for a Scottish-style minimum unit price, currently 65p, meaning a pint of beer cannot be sold for less than £1.50 or a bottle of vodka for less than £20. On Thursday the government ruled out an outright ban on alcohol advertising. The Department of Heath and Social Care said the proposed ten-year plan 'will not include a ban on alcohol advertising' but it is 'exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with the advertising of unhealthy food'. Last year the government announced plans to ban TV adverts for junk food before 9pm in an attempt to tackle childhood obesity. The measures were set to be introduced in October but this has now been delayed until next year after ministers moved to amend the legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific HFSS products, which are classified as high in fat, salt or sugars, is not caught under the rules.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Stirling MP explains support for "compassionate" assisted dying plans
Chris Kane MP used his free vote on the legislation to express his support for proposals to regulate assisted dying for terminally ill patients. Stirling's MP has explained the reasoning behind his backing for a historic assisted dying bill which narrowly secured support in the House of Commons last week. The Terminally Ill Adults Bill, proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, gives terminally ill adults in England and Wales the chance to have the right to end their own lives if certain criteria are met. The passage of the legislation at Westminster - which gained support by a margin of just 23 votes - follows a similar vote at Holyrood where the Scottish Parliament also gave its backing for proposals which would legislate for assisted dying in Scotland. In the Commons vote last week, an emotionally charged debate saw MPs recount personal stories of seeing friends and relatives die as well as sharing both positives and concerns related to the legislation. Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane was one of those asked to vote on the bill - and he was one of 314 to support its passage. Speaking to the Observer, Mr Kane said his vote would give people the opportunity to 'end their suffering on their own terms' and said the current arrangements had the impact of prolonging someone's suffering in a way deemed 'deeply unjust'. He said: 'My decision to support the bill was shaped by careful thought and compassion, taken with full awareness of the moral and ethical complexities involved. 'I understand that some will be disappointed, and I want to acknowledge the sincerity and strength of feeling among those who oppose it. I respect those views, just as I hope my own are respected in return. 'In the United Kingdom today, individuals with mental capacity can legally refuse life-sustaining treatment, even if that decision leads to their death. 'Yet they cannot seek medical assistance to take an approved substance that would allow them to end their suffering on their own terms. For me, that is a contradiction that cannot be ignored. 'The current system can prolong suffering in ways that feel deeply unjust. 'This bill seeks to change that by offering terminally ill people the ability to make a considered and safeguarded choice at the end of life. 'I believe it is time to offer a compassionate, safe and clearly regulated choice for those nearing the end of their lives who want to take it.' Mr Kane was also quick to praise the general level of debate from politicians on both sides of the argument - with members given the opportunity to exercise a rare 'free vote', away from party lines. He added: 'In recent weeks and months, we have seen Parliament at its best: informed, considered and passionate, with respect shown across the House for those on all sides of the debate. 'I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the Assisted Dying Bill, reading thoughtful emails from constituents, reviewing detailed briefings from organisations both for and against, and hosting constituency roundtables to listen to personal stories and different perspectives. 'I have followed the bill closely throughout its parliamentary journey and believe that it has evolved into a more balanced and carefully constructed piece of legislation than it was at the start.' The Westminster legislation will now head to the House of Lords for scrutiny and further votes before it has the chance of becoming law south of the border.
