Age UK’s review of 11 million over-65s found 1.1 million struggle to dress, 640,000 struggle to bathe, and 600,000 struggle to get in and out of bed
Two million older people are living without help they need due to the collapse in access to social care.
Charity Age UK found many are struggling with daily tasks and warned this “unmet need” increases their risk of falls, serious injury or worse.
Its estimate for unmet need among over-65s in England rose by a quarter in a year, from 1.6 million in 2023, amid calls for the Government to prioritise fixing the system.
Its review of 11 million over-65s found 1.1 million struggle to dress, 640,000 struggle to bathe, 600,000 struggle to get in and out of bed and 140,000 have difficulty eating. It said while the number of over-75s has grown by almost a fifth since 2017, fewer older people have been receiving long-term care through local authorities.
Caroline Abrahams, director at Age UK, said: “This is deeply worrying. Some older people may be just about managing, but others will be struggling.” She urged the government to “grasp the nettle of reform”.
After promising to set up a National Care Service before the election, the Labour government appears to be delaying fundamental reform. But the party conference this week heard plans for a fair pay agreement for social care staff.
Ms Abrahams added: “Some findings in our new report are frightening. These older people do not have time on their side.” A Department of Health spokesperson said: “We are committed to building a National Care Service so every-one can get the care they need.”
