HELP the Aged is calling on Hampshire MPs to demand action from the government on long-term care.

In the past 12 months, the charity has taken 368 calls from older people in Hampshire who are confused and anxious about their care and how to pay for it.

Many pensioners are increasingly concerned that their hard-earned savings will have to pay for care bills instead of going to their children as inheritance.

The calls are part of a report being sent to MPs highlighting the difficulties faced by thousands of older people needing care at home or in a residential setting.

Help the Aged is demanding action from the government and wants MPs to press for change. The campaign comes after a Royal Commission set out ways to solve the confusion over long-term care.

The commission published its report in March but three months later the government has not responded. Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, is calling for support for the campaign.

He said: "Help the Aged is writing to your MP but it's important that local people write too. Ask your MP to demand action from the government and end this terrible worry facing the county's pensioners."

Older people and their families needing advice on long-term care issues can ring SeniorLine, the charity's free advice line, on 0800 800 6565 from 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.

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