In response to today’s ONS statistics on changes in the older resident care home population between 2001 and 2011 Chief Executive of Independent Age, Janet Morrison, said:
“As ONS suggests, it is likely that some families are putting off the decision for a relative to go into a care home because of the cost, particularly as councils are less likely to pay for it as their budgets reduce. Even more worryingly, council-funded support for elderly people at home is also falling meaning that, if they do put off admission to a care home, families will often have to purchase or provide the care at home themselves. Though the proposed cap on care costs will benefit some people, and is welcomed, the reality is still that the cost of care is a shock for which most people are unprepared.”