Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 03:24 pm
According to a recent survey from Elder – a leading live-in care marketplace – just 27 percent of older people who either need care now or have started to consider options have discussed this with their families. In addition, 74 percent of family members reported they would find it difficult to bring up the topic of care with an older loved one.
The survey, which focused on how people feel bringing up care with family members, friends or loved ones, revealed that almost half of those who had already discussed the topic had initially found it difficult. Moreover, 57 percent of those who have not yet talked about care felt particularly uncomfortable at the thought of discussing care funding and finances with their loved one.
The King’s Fund has reported that the UK is seeing more requests for adult social care support, but the total number of care home places has declined, staff vacancy rates are the highest since records began, and fewer people are receiving local authority care funding.
However, the survey found that care conversations are generally easier than many people imagine. In over three quarters of cases, the family largely agreed with the individual’s care wishes.
Commenting on the findings, Pete Dowds, CEO and Founder of Elder said: “There’s no question that talking about care may not be completely comfortable. However, being open about our wishes for the future – and starting these discussions as early as we can, gives us a chance to change our perception of care, and prepare for this significant life moment. It doesn’t need to be something scary or unknown. We need to ensure older people feel confident that their voice will be heard when the time comes.”
A recent survey conducted by Elder, a live-in care marketplace, has revealed that only 27 percent of older people who need or are considering care have discussed it with their families. Furthermore, 74 percent of family members reported they would find it difficult to bring up the topic.
The survey, which focused on how people feel bringing up care with family members, friends or loved ones, revealed that almost half of those who had already discussed the topic had initially found it difficult. Additionally, 57 percent of those who have not yet talked about care felt uncomfortable at the thought of discussing care funding and finances with their loved one.
The King’s Fund has reported that the UK is seeing more requests for adult social care support, but the total number of care home places has declined, staff vacancy rates are the highest since records began, and fewer people are receiving local authority care funding.
Despite this, the survey found that care conversations are generally easier than many people imagine. In over three quarters of cases, the family largely agreed with the individual’s care wishes.
Pete Dowds, CEO and Founder of Elder commented on the findings: “There’s no question that talking about care may not be completely comfortable. However, being open about our wishes for the future – and starting these discussions as early as we can, gives us a chance to change our perception of care, and prepare for this significant life moment. It doesn’t need to be something scary or unknown. We need to ensure older people feel confident that their voice will be heard when the time comes.”
