Symponia has described the UK-wide under-funding of homecare services for older people as ‘shameful' following the launch of a major report into the sector.
The United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA)'s investigation, The Homecare Deficit, found just 28 of 203 local authorities paid above the minimum price for homecare of £15.74 per hour.
Symponia, the national organisation for care fees advisers, described the findings of the report as "a consistent failing by local authorities to care for the UK's elderly."
The report found that in many areas, fees fell below the minimum defined in the report. In the North East and North West of England, the average price paid for older people's homecare was £11.64 and £12.17 respectively.
This rose slightly to £13.51 in the East Midlands and to £13.61 in Greater London. In the South East, the hourly price for homecare was £15.54 with the South West just above the UKHCA's minimum with an average of £15.85 per hour.
Janet Davies, managing director and joint founder of Symponia (pictured) said: "What we are seeing here is a consistent failing by local authorities to provide adequate and consistent support for older people - and it is a shameful blot on our society.
"The problem will not go away; it can only get much worse because of our aging population. Ahead of the impending General Election, any party that can provide cohesive, transparent and honest funding solutions for the care of our older people will be listened to. But meanwhile on planet earth and away from the Westminster spin, we all have to start preparing for this life-stage and treat it like any other; head-on and by taking specialist advice, and picking our own care related path."
She added: The options - whether care is delivered at home or in a residential setting - have changed beyond recognition in recent years. Taking proper advice can unlock these choices, meaning that individuals and/or their families don't have to settle for second best and can plan for the care they deserve."
