New support measures for elderly long-term care patients announced

Elderly patients receiving long-term care and support will be provided with greater financial assistance under new government measures announced as part of its Mid-Term Review.

Based on recommendations from an earlier report by Andrew Dilnot, the groundbreaking new package of measures includes a 75,000 pound cap on care costs and a new means-tested threshold of 123,000 pounds.

Together, these moves are expected to directly benefit an extra 100,000 people who would not currently receive support, while steps are also being taken to ensure nobody needs to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for residential care by April 2015.

The government is also looking to offer a lower cap for people of working age who develop care needs before retirement age and free care for those with eligible needs when they turn 18.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "These historic reforms will give everyone the protection they want in their old age and save the family home."

The Dilnot Commission on Funding of Care and Support was launched in summer 2010, with aim of creating a fairer funding system for British healthcare.