As reported in Telecare Aware a month ago, the debate about charging for telecare services has been having a high-profile public airing amongst the people of Stoke-on-Trent in the UK Midlands. The council has now decided to introduce charging. Local paper report. (2 pages) Blogger’s report.
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Charging for telecare in Stoke on Trent
As unfortunate as this may be, the charging for telecare is inevitable in the current cuts climate. Local authorities have to look closer at clearly defining what falls within their statutory responsibilities. So far, telecare seems to have fallen outside of “the normal eligibility” rule test and run various pilot schemes.
I would like to think that where users are charged, the FACS (fair access to care service) criteria will be applied and that assessments will consider not only the immediate need but also the long term preventive view. This will ensure that those in most need will still receive the service free of charge depending on their level of income further to a financial assessment.
One has to remain optimistic……