Trudi Davies The Politics Show South East

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Social care: Is demand outstripping resources?

Joan Moorehouse takes over the airwaves to report on what it is like to be a pensioner in the South East.

Tony Blair said in 1997: "I don't want to live in a country where the only way pensioners can get long term care is by selling their home and where they struggle for survival, scrimping and saving, cold, alone and waiting for death."

But in March 2006 the Kings Fund Report on Social Care and Older People said: "This report has rightly highlighted the enormity of the social care crisis ...

"Chronic under-funding is denying thousands of older people the help and support they need..

"The Government cannot afford to bury its head in the sand any longer ...

"Older people have been treated as second class citizens for far too long."

This week the Politics Show has a new reporter. Sick of being portrayed as a victim by the media, and fed up with many of the unfulfilled promises by the Government, Joan Moorehouse, 69, takes over the airwaves.

Along with nearly 500,000 over 65's in the region, she believes that older people deserve a decent standard of care, support and choice.

This week Joan takes our cameraman on a journey around Sussex and introduces him, and us, to the kind of housing and supported living that she thinks should be available to all.

Along the way we also meet pensioners who buck the victim image and have overthrown the management company of their retirement home.

Social care shortfall

In the studio we discuss some of the issues that have led to a staggering �1.77bn social care shortfall.

This at a time when forecasts suggest that in 2007 there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 16 for the first time.

And, no matter what Tony said in 1997, Age Concern claim that the current system of charging for social care is: "Complex and unfair.

"The means test is deeply disliked by older people who feel that they have paid into the system but are then charged again for their essential care."

Despite their growing numbers, older people feel ignored and neglected by the Government.

In Gordon Brown's last budget they received only five mentions, compared to more than 40 for children.

Yet the over 60's make up nearly 20% of the population and Joan thinks that Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ignore them at their peril.

Do elderly people get the care and treatment they deserve? Does the Government give enough priority to their needs?

Email us via the link below or Text your opinion to 07786 209252 and we will put your points to our studio guests.

Also ... Fly the flag

David Cameron has one on his bike. Tessa Jowell has two on her ministerial car and Tony Blair says he has one but will only put it up on match days.

The flag of St George is in the news again this week and seems to be on every other car driving around the region.

But what do you think about it. Is it nationalism gone to far or just a bit of fun to support the team? We take to the streets of East Sussex to find out.

Does it matter if Government Ministers fly the England Flag? Do you?Email us via the link below or Text your opinion to 07786 209252

Paul Siegert

Paper review and comments

Melody Ryall from the Kentish Times Group reviews the weeks papers and Paul Siegert will be reading out your views on our topics.

Join in

Come and appear on the show. If you feel strongly about something our Rant of the Week slot gives you 60 seconds to share your opinions with our viewers.

Email us: [email protected] or via the link below

The Politics Show South East

Join Paul Siegert on the Politics Show on Sunday 18 June 2006 at 12:00 on BBC One.

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.