Getting the right person to look after the elderly is an important task for those who are looking to use residential homes – and of course for the care recipient themselves.

With the provision of care now taking centre stage in the election campaign this provision of care – whether free or paid – has taken on a greater significance.

Thus the Liberal party has said that its provision of care would go beyond the current limitations as it seeks to improve the lot of the elderly – and attract new votes.

Leader Charles Kennedy said that his party would offer support and long-term free care for issues such as personal care – typically washing, feeding and dressing.

"So many people in their old age are losing out," he said recently.

"Partly [it is] because of being unable to afford long-term care when they need it and having to sell off the family home and the family loses their inheritance."