BackAnnika Eade
December 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Newly released data has revealed almost three quarters of Brits are concerned about being able to access publicly funded care in later life.
A survey commissioned by Curam, the UK’s biggest online care platform, has highlighted the public’s worries over the country’s healthcare system.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults has also revealed what they see as the major causes of the current problems with the UK care system.
Funding issues were cited by 57% of respondents, while 59% blamed a failure to pay carers much more than minimum wage. Other significant factors pointed at failings by successive governments (50%), an inefficient care system (44%), a lack of well-trained carers (41%), while 40% felt there were not enough carers available.
The findings emphasised why 72% think they will not be able access care in the future. A similar number also feel that carers are underpaid, with more than half of the respondents (52%) believing carers should earn more than working in the retail or hospitality sectors.
Almost a third (32%) believes the NHS needs support from private care providers to improve the situation as, worryingly, 32% do not know how they will be able to afford care in the future.
According to Patrick Wallace, co-founder of Curam, these results highlight the urgent need for action to be taken to address public opinion and the problems facing the UK care system.
He said: “Many people are deeply concerned about their ability to access care in later life, and that they believe the system is currently failing those in need. At the heart of the issue is the failure of the care system to modernise to be able to pay carers a decent wage.”
The survey’s findings echo the concerns put forward by the NHS Confederation in its 2022 report System on a Cliff Edge: addressing challenges in social care capacity.
It found that 85% of healthcare leaders agreed that the absence of a social care pathway is the primary cause of delayed discharge of medically fit patients.
Tina Woods, CEO of Collider Health and Business for Health, commented: “The NHS and care system is experiencing a workforce crisis, which in turn is affecting the care available for an ageing population that is getting sicker. This is fuelling a vicious circle of inadequate care that will only be resolved by preventing ill health and by attracting and keeping more care staff with the right incentives.”
Curam is proactively seeking to increase the number of carers in the UK, with its range of care options giving choice and control to the client and by ensuring that its 8,000 self-employed carers are properly paid for their skills. Carers registered with the platform earn on average 60 per cent better hourly rates.
Wallace added: “Around 20% of our carers have returned to social care. We are a great conduit for people who have two years or more care experience and we enable them to set their own rates of pay and to have a professional career.”
For more information go to https://www.curamcare.com/
For media queries or to arrange an interview contact: cathy@curamcare.com
The survey was carried out online in March 2023, with 2,005 UK adults sampled.
About Curam
Curam is the largest care worker marketplace and home-care technology platform in the UK, with people using the platform and app to browse verified, local carers and to post their care requirements.
Since it was founded in 2018 by university friends Patrick Wallace, Jody O'Neill and Ben Weatherall, it has provided 4,500 people with quality care. It also works with local authorities and many care providers throughout the UK. Care workers set their own rates of pay, and clients have choice and control over who they hire. The tech’s capabilities mean people can find a carer within as little as 30 minutes, helping to prevent unnecessary delays to hospital discharge.
