The willingness to financially support care for older people decreases

The ageing population means a larger proportion of GDP will be spent on pensions and healthcare. Together with the economic downturn, increasing student fees, high house prices, etc., there may be an increased perception that the current generation will not be able to attain as high a standard of living as the generation before them. This might drive a change in attitude towards what kind of healthcare services are provided for older people. There may, for example, be the introduction of an annual cap on how much money is spent on healthcare for older people, or pressure for greater self funding.

Proposed workforce impact

• Lower numbers of healthcare professionals will be needed to deliver the core services.
• Changes to core services will affect the content and duration of the training pathway.

Additional research questions

• What models are used in other countries?
• Will baby boomers be able to afford to pay for care?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.