Increase to weekly care rates

05 December 2022

​The Minister for Social Security and the Minister for Health and Social Services have agreed to apply an above inflation 12% uplift to the weekly care rates included in the Long-Term Care Scheme from 1 January 2023. 

This unprecedented level of increase recognises the additional cost pressures that care providers across the Island have seen during 2022. The Long-Term Care scheme is designed to meet the cost of care up to a maximum level which varies with an individual’s care needs.

Ministers have recognised the significant pressures that have been felt across the care sector in the past 12 months. They also recognise the need to ensure that the Long-Term Care scheme supports Islanders with the cost of their care. 

Alongside this, Ministers have decided to establish a project to review the home care sector. This review directly responds to recommendations made by the Jersey Care Commission in their recently published report “Addressing Challenges and Risk in Social Care”. 

The Minister for Social Security is also leading a review of the communication material that Government publishes about Long-Term Care, following feedback from many Islanders and providers about the complexity of the scheme and their difficulties in understanding it.

The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Elaine Millar, said: “I believe we have a Long-Term Care scheme that the Island can be proud of, but it is vital that we recognise the increased pressures being felt right now by care providers and Islanders who are using the scheme. This unprecedented increase in Long-Term care benefit values and the associated market review is an important first step in implementing the commitment I have made to review the Long-Term Care scheme.” 

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson, said: “The Jersey Care Commission’s recently published report highlighted the need for Government to do more to support the care sector - in recognition of the vital work it does for our community. In applying this significant increase in benefit values, the Minister for Social Security and I are looking to do just that. The commissioning of a market review of the home care market is an essential step to ensure that the Island has a sustainable and equitable care market and we both look forward to working with the sector over the coming months.”