How much difference will £240m make for cash-strapped social care?
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has announced an extra £240m funding for the social care sector to help reduce pressure on the NHS over the winter.
The money is aimed at reducing transfers of care and will be allocated to local councils.
According to Mr Hancock the money could pay for 71,500 home care packages to help patients get out of hospital quicker or for 86,500 reablement packages where patients get help with carrying out everyday tasks and to regain mobility and confidence.
Alternatively, the money could pay for 27,000 home adaptations, such as adapting a shower room for someone with limited movement and other facilities for personal care.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens welcomed the funding and said helping patients go home when they are ready is vital to easing pressure on the NHS, particularly busy A&E departments.
Further information
Gov.uk: £240m social care investment to ease NHS winter pressures
Guardian: Emergency funding for social care to be announced at Tory conference