Have your say on future of adult care and support

The ‘Who Cares? The Future of Adult Care and Support in Northern Ireland’ is running between 1 and 4.15pm.

Health Minister Edwin Poots urged people to attend and join in the debate on the future of adult care and support.

Mr Poots said, “We all know that people are living longer than before. In fact, by 2025, our over 65 population is projected to increase by 42 per cent and the over 85s by 83 per cent. Let me be clear that our growing elderly population is an achievement to be celebrated. But when we consider that the likelihood of people needing some form of care and support increases the older they get, we can see that having a bigger elderly population in the future is going to put increased pressure on the system that cares for people in need.

“The case for change is clear. We simply cannot go on as we are doing and maintain an effective care and support system at the same time. So we must act now to ensure we have a fair, effective and sustainable service in the future. That is why I have embarked on a process of reform with the launch of the ‘Who Cares?’ discussion document.

“I urge everyone to read the consultation and, to turn up at Craigavon Civic Centre to join what I believe is a much needed debate. While care and support might not be something you are thinking about now, the likelihood is that one in three of us will have some form of care need after the age of 65. We simply can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand and this is your chance to influence change. This is a chance for you to have your say.”