Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt urged by care homes' elderly to make social care free at point of use

Older people living in care homes across the country have made a personal appeal to PM hopefuls Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt to make social care ‘free at the point of delivery’.

More than 200 elderly people living in care homes and retirement properties run by Anchor Hanover have signed a letter demanding the new Prime Minister act on the concerns of Britain’s ageing population.

In the joint letter sent to Mr Johnson and Mr Hunt on 18 July, a total of 247 care home residents said whoever becomes Prime Minister must publish the social care green paper within his first 100 days in office.

The letter also urged the country’s new leader to put pressure on the BBC to reinstate free TV licences for the over 75s.

Elderly residents called for the introduction of schemes to reduce isolation amongst older people with measures such as good transport links and more accessible high streets. The letter also requested more money for the NHS.

Brian Johnson aged 84 says elderly have been 'ignored for too long'

Brian Johnson, aged 84, has lived at Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court retirement facilities in Dorking for 17 years and signed the letter.

“There are so many urgent issues facing older people like me that have been ignored for far too long", Mr Johnson said.

"The government has a responsibility to listen to our concerns and act now to support us in later life. We need solutions now so that we can enjoy the quality of life we deserve, and we need long-term solutions to help future generations as they grow older."

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt were urged to come up with ‘a sustainable funding solution for the social care sector’ and keep the social care promises they made during the Conservative leadership race.

Jeremy Hunt promised to deliver 10-year plan for social care as PM

Both PM candidates have pledged to make social care a priority if they become Prime Minister. In the final Conservative leadership hustings broadcast last night (17 July), Jeremy Hunt even promised to create a 10-year plan for social care (similar in style to the NHS 10 year plan).

The letter stated 'We have heard your recent promises to treat later life with the dignity it deserves, and to reform social care. With 68 per cent of the public not trusting government to deliver on social care reform, these pledges cannot be a “means to an end” to secure your post'.

The care home residents said ‘a lack of suitable housing’ is leaving more than 2 million older people suffering physically and mentally. The letter added that ‘vital lifelines’ including free TV licences and transport links, are being taken away 'leaving older people isolated and disconnected from society'.

The letter coincides with the publication of new research from care group Anchor Hanover, which reveals 68 per cent of people do not trust government to deliver on social care reform.

A poll of 2,025 people last December by Anchor Hanover revealed 73 per cent of people worry they will not be able to afford decent care for themselves in later life, and seven in 10 worry about affording care for loved ones.

A quarter wrongly believe that the state always pays to meet people's social care needs in later life.

The joint letter was signed by the chief executive of Anchor Hanover, Jane Ashcroft. The chief executive said: “It is appalling that the voices of older people continue to be ignored, and their increasingly urgent needs have been neglected countless times in the wake of political turbulence.

"The impact this has on their lives is shocking and unacceptable.

“Older people have spoken, and we are proud to stand with them. We demand action rather than yet more unfulfilled promises for our ageing population.”

The next Prime Minister of the UK is expected to be announced on Tuesday, 23 July.