\n<\/p>\n
An alternative approach is to ensure that everyone who is eligible, based on their needs, should get state-funded personal care that is free at the point of use.<\/p>\n
This would be provided free regardless of an individual’s means and whether it was received by an elderly person in their own house or a residential care home.<\/p>\n
Scotland has implemented such a system.<\/p>\n
However, it’s important to note that personal care takes in things like helping frail elderly people wash and dress and go to the toilet.<\/p>\n
But it does not include accommodation, food and everyday living costs which are subject to means testing.<\/p>\n
The Health Foundation think tank estimates that implementing a Scottish-style system in England would cost \u00a37.5bn a year by 2036.<\/p>\n
Like Scotland, Japan and Germany have systems which base entitlement to personal social care mainly on people’s care needs rather than their ability to pay.<\/p>\n
Japan and Germany though have a mandatory long-term care insurance system which is funded through contributions from workers and employers.<\/p>\n
Both countries also do not usually cover the full cost of personal care so individuals are responsible for some of the expenses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n