LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY
In too many circles, the elderly are spoken of as burdens - costly, outdated, and out of touch. Politicians talk about them like they are a drain on resources, but this party refuses to follow that line.
We see our elders as the backbone of our society - the ones who paid their taxes, built the systems that support us, and nurtured the generations that came after them. They worked hard to ensure that we could live in a safer, more prosperous world. It’s time to return that care.
This isn’t just about looking after the elderly; it’s about honouring the ties that bind us as a nation. They cared for us, and we will care for them. In doing so, we hope that our own children will do the same when their time comes.
We will not forget our elders. We will give them the respect, dignity, and care they deserve. This is the promise we make—not just to the elderly, but to future generations.
Problems
Spiralling Care Prices
The cost of care homes has risen to a minimum of £600 per week, making quality care unaffordable for many families. Meanwhile, taxpayer money is funnelled into expensive institutional care instead of supporting family-based solutions.
Over-Reliance on Cheap Overseas Labour
Care providers exploit visas to suppress wages, making it harder for British workers to negotiate fair pay. This overreliance has weakened job prospects in the sector and reduced the quality of care provided.
Families Struggle to Care for Elders Due to Finances and Space
Many families would prefer to care for their elderly relatives but simply cannot afford to, nor do they have the space to do so.
Solutions
Empower Families with Financial Support
Instead of spending a minimum of £600 per week on care homes, we will offer £1,000 per month to families who choose to accommodate and care for their elderly relatives. Basic training and regular check-ins will be provided to ensure high standards of care.
Invest in UK Workers and Phase Out Care Visas
Care work must be a respected and well-paid profession. We will train British workers and ensure care providers pay them fair wages, eliminating the need for cheap overseas labour. A phased reduction of all care worker visas will begin immediately to restore fair pay and quality in the sector.
Help Families Adapt Their Homes
The £1,000 support will help with basic financial strain, but we will go further. We will partner with local housing companies and builders to help families extend their homes— through loft conversions or extensions—making it possible to accommodate elderly relatives while increasing much-needed housing capacity.
Our elderly built the society we now enjoy, and it’s our duty to care for them as they once cared for us. Instead of relying on impersonal care homes, we will shift to a system that honours the intergenerational bonds that have always been at the heart of our communities.
By supporting families who take on the responsibility of caregiving with financial assistance and practical resources, we will ensure that our elders live in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones.
This policy is not just about saving money - it’s about restoring dignity, respect, and the values that make our nation strong. Our elderly deserve nothing less.
It’s time to show them we haven’t forgotten their sacrifices.