Age Cymru welcomes additional £30bn for social care

Age Cymru welcomes the additional £30bn in funding for social care, specifically aimed at addressing the critical issue of delayed hospital discharges and enhancing care and support in local communities.

The Charity is calling for clear plans that show how the additional funds will meet the needs of the many older people it encounters who are experiencing delays that place undue stress on both patients and their families.

Age Cymru has said it is disappointed that the budget does not include alternative financial support for older people across Wales who are struggling, following the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment.

The majority of older people in Wales live on fixed incomes, with many relying solely on the State Pension. The increasing cost of living is making it harder for older individuals to meet basic needs, such as heating and food. The Charity has heard from older people who are cutting back on daily essentials and having to choose between heating and eating and others who have had to return to work after retiring to have a decent standard of living.

Age Cymru Chief Executive, Victoria Lloyd says: “We’re finding that increases in the cost-of-living are impacting the whole lives of older people, from individuals not being able to afford repairs in their home, to not having enough food to keep them healthy, or to socialise again after the isolation of the pandemic lockdowns. All of which have implications for the short and long term physical and mental wellbeing of older people across Wales. Older people who are struggling need money back in their pockets, and sooner rather than later.”