ProtectionDec 2 2015

Discussing care with families still taboo: Partnership

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Discussing care with families still taboo: Partnership

Almost 80 per cent of over-65s have not thought about care, while another 30 per cent have not discussed moving in with their families even though they intend to.

According to Partnership’s Fourth Care Index, discussing care with families continues to be taboo because although 30 per cent of over-65s intend to move in with their families, only 6 per cent have discussed it with them.

The numbers of those relying on their families for support has increased from 19 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent, as awareness of care home fees, which stands at £29,558 a year, increases.

Almost two-thirds said they did not want to go into a care home. However, they were realistic about the fact that they may need some support, with 80 per cent saying that if this happened, they would prefer to receive support in their own homes, but if they become too frail to cope, 29 per cent would look to move in with their families.

Jim Boyd, director of corporate affairs at Partnership: said: “Some people are in for an uncomfortable shock. It is far better to take the time to discuss the topic as burying your head in the sand will not help anyone.

“We would suggest that anyone looking to speak to their parents or older relatives about care start with simple questions, such as what type of care do they want, where do they want it and how will they pay for it.

“While all of these may seem like very basic questions, they allow families to put some plans in place so if they do need care, they have a head start by knowing what is likely to meet the need.”

Age 65 - 74Over -75
Proportion who intend to live with their families29%38%
Proportion who have discussed this with their families6%10%
Proportion who don’t want to live in a care home63%62%

Adviser view

Joanne Brown, director of Herts-based Life Matters, said: “There’s a lot of truth behind the statistics. We’ve experienced problems discussing care with families. A lot of emotions are involved, such as pride, not wanting to be a burden, and not wanting to discuss what happens in the future. It is a concern for the elderly. The middle generation is also squeezed as they have no space at home for an elderly relative. There is a lot of confusion out there. People are not aware of the choices they have, including financial advice.”