I hope...
As parties vie for votes with promises they may or may not keep, Tortoise is asking public and not-so-public figures for the one thing they hope for from Britain's next government.
I hope that social care will be in the spotlight in the next election and beyond – not just its funding but a change in the narrative, a showcasing of the incredible work done in this diverse and dynamic sector, and an end to the unacceptable stigma that surrounds it.
The best staff will be recruited and retained when they are respected, included and communicated with.
For unpaid carers looking after a family member, I hope there will be increased physical, emotional and financial support. Unpaid carer’s leave is a step in the right direction for this workforce of more than 10 million people.
Ultimately, I hope that care of all kinds will be valued, so that those with frailty, disability or illness can live with the dignity they deserve.
Dr Helen Cowan, lecturer in adult nursing working with care homes, and informal carer
