UK families with loved one in a care home issued £64,000 warning

UK families with loved one in a care home issued £64,000 warning
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Care home residents have been warned rising care costs will push families to pay £64,000 annually. Care home costs have surged to £64,000 annually, an 8% increase in the last year. 65% of families use personal savings to fund their care.

Despite rising costs, government support remains limited, highlighting the need for early financial planning. One in five care seekers are unaware of the benefits available to them, leaving £3.5 billion unclaimed each year, new data from Lottie has found.

More accessible resources are urgently needed to guide families through the complex funding landscape. Almost two-thirds of care seekers feel that additional fees are unfair, and 68 per cent worry about being overcharged.

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Clear communication from care providers is essential to restoring confidence, it found. 83 per cent of families provide unpaid care before turning to professional services. With an ageing population and limited government support, this growing burden highlights the need for stronger resources and assistance.

Will Donnelly, Co-Founder of Lottie, emphasised the urgency of the situation and said: "Families are struggling, and without stronger support, the pressure on the NHS and vulnerable people will continue to grow. We need a full review of funding and accessibility to care."

Donnelly said: "Planning ahead allows families to explore a wider range of care options and financial solutions, resulting in better outcomes and peace of mind." He continued: "We must break down the barriers preventing open discussions about future care needs.

"Talking about care should not be taboo - it is essential for preparing for a fulfilling future for our ageing loved ones and avoiding unnecessary stress and costs." 30% of respondents want more transparency about costs, the services offered and what a typical day looks like in a care home.

And 15% of respondents want better communication, including prompt responses, more accurate information and more open interactions during care home visits.