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Elderly people: thousands 'left struggling' at home Elderly people: thousands 'left struggling' at home
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Thousands of older people in England are struggling in their own home with little or no help, research suggests.Thousands of older people in England are struggling in their own home with little or no help, research suggests.
The analysis by the Independent Age charity and Strategic Society Centre think tank indicates more than two million have difficulty with washing, dressing, cooking or eating.The analysis by the Independent Age charity and Strategic Society Centre think tank indicates more than two million have difficulty with washing, dressing, cooking or eating.
And of the 560,000 of these with severe needs, 160,000 receive inadequate help while another 70,000 have none at all.And of the 560,000 of these with severe needs, 160,000 receive inadequate help while another 70,000 have none at all.
Some 850,000 older people have help paid for by themselves or the council.Some 850,000 older people have help paid for by themselves or the council.
But over the years state-funded services have been increasingly rationed.But over the years state-funded services have been increasingly rationed.
Meanwhile, 30,000 older people care for others in situations considered a risk to their health and wellbeing - alone and for at least 20 hours a week.Meanwhile, 30,000 older people care for others in situations considered a risk to their health and wellbeing - alone and for at least 20 hours a week.
Older people and care in numbersOlder people and care in numbers
Source: Independent Age and Strategic Society Centre based on 2011 to 2013 dataSource: Independent Age and Strategic Society Centre based on 2011 to 2013 data
The two groups looked at:The two groups looked at:
They said the research "highlights alarming gaps" in the system and raised questions that needed addressing ahead of April 2016, when care costs will be capped at £72,000 over a person's lifetime.They said the research "highlights alarming gaps" in the system and raised questions that needed addressing ahead of April 2016, when care costs will be capped at £72,000 over a person's lifetime.
Independent Age policy director Simon Bottery said it "defies belief" how those who did not receive the right care were getting by.Independent Age policy director Simon Bottery said it "defies belief" how those who did not receive the right care were getting by.
Without better support, there would be a knock-on effect on the NHS with more older people seeing their health suffer, he added.Without better support, there would be a knock-on effect on the NHS with more older people seeing their health suffer, he added.
Are you an older person? Do you feel you are struggling in your own home? You can email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave a contact number.Are you an older person? Do you feel you are struggling in your own home? You can email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave a contact number.
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