How should care for the elderly be funded?

Older people in England could be asked to take out insurance to pay for long-term care in their old age. Is this a good idea?
The idea one of a number of options expected to be proposed by ministers in a green paper due on Tuesday on reform of funding of residential and home-based social care.

nder the present English system anyone with a home or savings of £23,500 or more is not given state funding for a care home, or help from social services.

This often means they are forced to sell the family home to pay for care. The Tories, who intend to draw up their own care plans, said ministers had "broken promises" on the issue.

Have you or your family faced any difficulties paying for long-term care? Have you had to sell your house or use your savings to pay for it? Would you agree to take care insurance?
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