There is something not quite right with all this. When I was young there was no such thing and elderly people were cared for by their families, of which they were a part. There was good support for those on their own because the demands were not universal. On the other hand, now it is assumed that everyone will have to be cared for. This is due to the fact the everyone lives longer, but that is not the sole cause. There is also the issue of people living very impaired lives at these greater ages, so that much more help is required for their care.
The Dilnot Report will set out an analysis of the problem as well as offering solutions. Proposals that the personal contribution should be capped at some arbitrary figure, perhaps £35,000 and the threshold of assets raised to £100,000 look interesting.
Unfortunately in the present financial climate anything which costs money is unwelcome, even if worthy. Moreover caps and thresholds smack of bureaucracy, paperwork and more cost. Nevertheless this report offers positive ideas and should be taken seriously. So ought the realisation that universal benefits of any kind in the modern welfare state are not sustainable. Benefit must go to those who need it and be paid for by those who do not. Simple. It is also the mark of civilisation and human decency. It should be what the mysterious Big Society is about.