Survey reveals public confusion over care provision

Research from a national charity published on Monday showed that eight out of 10 people did not feel they were informed about care options for older people.

Published to mark ElderCare Week, which runs to September 12, the research from Counsel and Care revealed a severe lack of public understanding of and information available on the care system for older people.

In a survey of more than 1,300 UK adults between 18 and 90 years old, the charity found that just 5% believed the social care system was easy to navigate.

Four out of five respondents (79%) said not enough was done to tell people about the care options available, while three-quarters (74%) were unsure of the level of care that they, an older friend, or relative, were entitled to, and more than two-thirds (71%) did not think the Government had a clear and consistent policy on care and support of older people.

Almost two-thirds of respondents (64%) had not thought about how to fund their own care, even though it is now estimated that one in five of today’s 65-year-olds will need care costing more than £50,000.

Of those surveyed, 7% expected to receive full financial support from their local council, while 5% had already made specific provisions.

One in five (21%) said they agreed with the current council financial assessment and the means-test for care but a third (33%) believed the Government should be responsible for care funding through taxation.

Almost a fifth (19%) believed that local authorities would meet all their care costs, and twice as many (38%) thought local authorities should make a financial contribution based on a case-by-case assessment of an individual’s needs.

There was also confusion over the advice and provision available from local councils. Two-fifths (42%) of respondents to the survey did not know councils offered a free assessment of an older person’s needs, which is often the first step towards obtaining a care plan and accessing care and support. All councils are obliged to provide a free assessment for anybody who appears to be in need, regardless of a person’s finances.

Almost half (48%) were unaware of the range of day-to-day help that their local council might provide.

Stephen Burke, chief executive of Counsel and Care, said: “This research demonstrates that there is a fundamental lack of public understanding and knowledge of the care system.

“In the long term this could prove to be disastrous, especially when examining issues such as funding.

“It is vital that the public recognises the importance of planning ahead, both on a practical and financial level, to reduce the stresses and costs involved when accessing care in older age.

“The social care system is about to undergo reform with the newly appointed commission on the funding of care set to report by next summer. When this reform takes place, universal information, advice and advocacy must become an integral part of the new care and support system.

“By raising awareness and holding local events through ElderCare Week and our annual debate and Graham Lecture, we intend to highlight some of the main pitfalls of the process and guide people through the care maze.

“Our new ‘five point plan’ for care and support provides people with signposts to help them plan ahead for their care needs, and by publishing it online and in hard copy, we hope it will be a useful and easily accessible tool.”

Counsel and Care is a national charity working with older people, their families and carers to get the best care and support. Advice on issues affecting older people and carers can be obtained by calling 0845 300 7585 or emailing [email protected].