The Dilnot Commission on Funding of Care and Support has released a summary of responses to its consultation.
The release declares the commission "delighted" with the 250 submissions it received since its December 2010 call for views from both the financial services sector, public bodies independent providers and academic associations. It added that most responses were in agreement with the Commission's aims.
The Commission which reports on 21 July this year is responsible for the funding of long term care and support in the UK, including the private sector's possible contribution through insurance or other products.
It received responses covering: the role of private financial products, how to raise additional funds, improving information and advice, benefits, interactions with other services such as the NHS and implementation issues such as assessments.
Commenting, Andrew Dilnot has said "The input and insights of these individuals and organisations is critical to our work to find a fair and sustainable solution on how we fund care and support.
"What has shone through is that there is a real enthusiasm to engage with this subject and I am encouraged by the number of responses we received. It is these experiences and the need for change that spur the Commission on."
There was a strong call for people to be made aware of the need to plan for the future. It was recognised that to do this would require improved information and advice on both the funding and delivery of care.
Responses also highlighted the need for a more streamlined system - with a national framework of assessment and eligibility for care and support, so people can clearly understand what they are entitled to, and when they will receive support from the state. However, it was argued that there should be flexibility in the delivery of services.
Greater focus on early intervention, to prevent needs escalating and help manage costs was also a prominent theme.
Speaking to COVER, Andy Couchman, director of consultants Bankhouse Communications, said: "The Dilnot commission on long-term care funding will, I think, say that long-term care insurance has a place for some people. The challenge will be persuading the insurance industry, many of whom have burn fingers from the 1990s, that this is a product area to go into."
The report can be downloaded from the Commission's website.
