Over-55s want rethink of social care for older population

Only a quarter of over-55s are comfortable that they are financially prepared for their future care needs.

Over-55s want rethink of social care for older population

Nine out of ten (93%) of those aged over-55 believe the government needs to "seriously" rethink how it manages and funds social care for older people in the UK according to new research from Audley Group.

This drops to 87% when looking at all age demographics over 18.

The research also found that 82% do not think the resources are in place to support a growing older population, with the same proportion also believing that the UK's attitudes towards care of those in later life needs to change.

Only a quarter (29%) of over-55s are comfortable that they are financially prepared for their future care needs, with 61% claiming they worry about how they will fund future social care if they need it.

Nick Sanderson, chief executive at Audley Group, said: “Social care is an issue which has plagued British politics in recent years and it’s clear that it’s a pressing concern for the majority of people.

"Inaction from the government and ever-increasing delays on the social care green paper has meant that the public have lost trust that a suitable solution will be offered.

"Boris Johnson has publicly committed to solving the social care crisis, and we need to see his words put into action and genuine change implemented.

"A first step here is removing the need for people to go to hospital and in turn cutting the strain on the social care system.

"A holistic approach which brings together housing, social care and health will be what makes the difference here and will place more trust in people that they will get the support they need, when they need it.”