Commenting on Laing & Buisson's annual report, Care of Elderly People Market Survey 2007, Annie Stevenson, Senior Policy Adviser at Help the Aged said:

'Unfortunately these latest figures are a clear indication that the social care system is about to hit the buffers, something we've been predicting for a long time. It's imperative that a clear strategy is developed to ensure that the future needs in the funding of long term social care are met .

'Once again the Laing Buisson report illustrates a concern around the funding of social care that the public just isn't aware of. The Government must tackle the NHS and social care in conjunction with each other, maybe then public awareness of the situation will be raised.

'Currently figures indicate a very worrying trend of a social divide in long term care - those unable to pay for their own care have the choice of good quality care eroded.'

Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change.

The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people.

Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life.

Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

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