Charity Age UK has revealed that over 800,000 elder...

Elderly are being let down by social care system

Charity Age UK has revealed that over 800,000 elderly individuals are currently in need of social care but are not receiving any, due to a lack of support from both the state and the private sector. 

The number is expected to increase to over one million by 2015. 

Currently, the government employs a means-tested method of providing social care.

Elderly people with an income of more than £23,250 (the cut-off point for social care in the UK) are excluded from state assistance. 

Now, campaigners are attempting to increase the income requirements, and change the eligibility threshold to include more of those who need support.   

Health insurance does not cover social care unless the person seeking assistance has been diagnosed with certain disabilities in which social care could be a factor. 

A thorough health insurance search, using an online comparison tool, should show which health insurance products may cover social care.   

As reported by the BBC, a Department of Health spokesman commented: "The government recognises the urgent need to reform the social care system.

"An ageing population and rising expectations make the current system completely unsustainable."

A review of the system is due to be published later in 2011.