Islanders in care face paying thousands more

Islanders receiving long-term care in Guernsey could have to pay more if proposals from Employment and Social Security (ESS) are agreed by the States.

The committee has released a policy letter, which seeks to change the Long-term Care Insurance Scheme (LCIS) - including a new user-pays contribution of up to £10,000 and increasing co-payments.

It is hoped it will address the challenges facing the care industry as both the cost and demand of care are expected to rise.

ESS President Peter Roffey said: "We want to stabilise the private care home market, incentivise investment in the sector, and prolong the financial sustainability of the Long-term Care Fund."

The LCIS was launched 20 years ago with a 10 to 15-year lifespan and a big review almost a decade ago was launched to try to see how it could continue.

The scheme is funded through social security contributions and investment returns from the Long Term Insurance Fund.

But, over the next few decades the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to more than double in Guernsey.

Currently there are 730 care beds available but it has been estimated more than 130 more will be needed by 2030.

The user-pays proposal would see people needing bed-based care contribute up to £10,000 but the amount would be means tested.

After that, they would be able to access long-term care benefits to contribute towards the costs.

The amount paid by the person receiving care could also increase from £342.02 per week to £514.00 per week, over a five-year phasing-in period, to better reflect the actual accommodation and living costs.

Plans also suggest updating the future uprating policy for long-term care benefit at the rate of inflation, excluding increase in mortgage payments, +1% - subject to periodic review.

Deputy Roffey said: "These are just some initial first steps.

"Further work will be needed in the next term of government to develop a more sustainable model of community long-term care and to secure the scheme's long-term financial sustainability.

"The more immediate measures we are proposing are vital to mitigate short-term pressures and ensure the community can continue to access bed-based care services when they need them."

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