Survey shows seven in ten people have no plans in place to pay for future care costs

A national survey has shown that seven in ten people have no plans in place to pay for any future care costs.

Last week national media reported one in eight Brits have gone a whole year or more without seeing their parents. All three party political leaders have said adult social care is a key issue to them and more worrying figures have emerged this week with seven in ten saying their parents have no plans in place to pay for any care they will need in old age.

The extent to which the nations ageing population wants to stay at home but doesnt know how they might pay for it emerged in the survey of 3,000 people over the age of 40, commissioned by live-in care agency Christies Care.

The study quizzed adults on whether they have any future plans in place for looking after their elderly parents.

Hugh Gathorne-Hardy, Chairman, Christies Care, said: Theres a big political debate about the future of adult social care and people need to know what Government help theyll get, but also how theyll pay for the rest.

Its shocking that very few people understand how much care services cost, how they might pay, but also how so few have plans for their parents future.

In the same survey eight in ten adults said that living at home would be their parents preferred choice in old age, rather than residential or nursing homes. But only half knew that this was a viable option through live-in care services.

The survey was carried out to mark the launch of a new guide Paying for Care: Your options explained published by Christies Care.

The guide provides information on a wide range of options for paying for care and planning ahead. It includes explanations on Local Authority support, State Benefits and NHS Continuing Health Care, as well as giving guidance on protecting income and assets.

With the average 65 year-old receiving care costing £30,000 in their life-time, its a serious issue which very few people understand.