A Member of Parliament has called on his own Government to find more money to help bring an end to the care crisis.

Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, said it was “shocking” to learn more than half of older people who need care at home rely on friends and family in figures borne out by Age UK research.

Mr Blackman also said a “failing” social care system is putting an “immense pressure” on the NHS and called for an end to the “crisis”. He insisted the Government invest more in social care in the upcoming budget and green paper.

Age UK research suggests:

- One in five older people have missed meals

- 32 per cent of unpaid older carers said they were unable to take a break from caring

- One in four had to get hospital treatment because of a failing care system

- 42 per cent of older carers feel lonely and isolated

Mr Blackman said: “These figures are shocking and I am supporting Age UK’s campaign and calling for an end to the care crisis.

“We know that the failing social care system is putting an immense pressure on the NHS - delayed discharges due to lack of social care cost the NHS more than £500 every minute.

“Older people in Harrow East living with long-term health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia and older people providing long-term care deserve and need more help from the Government.

“Some older people are lucky and receive a good service at home, but many are struggling to do the basics, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed or going to the toilet because they lack vital support. For older carers this can seriously affect their health.

“The social care green paper must be bold and innovative but more immediately the Chancellor needs to dig deep in his pockets at the budget and provide sufficient funding in the budget to stop the system falling over. We cannot continue to fail older people who need help.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK said: “If an older person needs social care but can’t get it this is a sure fire recipe for them to become weaker and less well.

“They are at far greater risk of not eating enough and of falling and hurting themselves because of trying to do more than they really should. And it goes without saying that their lives are likely to be diminished and made more miserable.

“Is this what we want for our parents and grandparents, husbands and wives, older neighbours and friends in 2018? We have to do better.

“A green paper will not in and of itself deliver any new funding for social care for several years and it is obvious that the system needs a major injection of cash right now. The responsibility for fixing this lies firmly with the Treasury. The Chancellor must take action to shore up social care in his Autumn Budget.”