The overwhelming majority of people do not believe the English adult social care system is fit for purpose, a new report from Just Group has shown.
Just Group’s 2023 Care Report found that only 12% of over-45s who have helped find a loved one a care home believe the system is fit for purpose, with more than three quarters (76%) calling the process stressful.
The report also revealed a widespread lack of knowledge and awareness around social care, with 76% of over-45s stating they had not thought about care, planned for it or spoken to their children about it. Among the over-75s, the figure was almost as high at 70%.
More than half (53%) of over-45s said they were confused by recent government announcements on the funding of care and 47% said they will delay making financial plans until new funding rules have been introduced.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: “Our report is called ‘No Policy, No Planning’ because that sums up the position among both policymakers and the public. It’s a disappointment because this autumn we were supposed to see the introduction of new, far more generous means-test thresholds and a cap on social care costs that would have helped people start to plan. These reforms were delayed until after the next election and so may never be implemented.”
Lowe said the freezing of the current means-test limits for the last 13 years show how paralysis is gripping care policy, dragging thousands more into paying for their own care. In England, those with assets above the upper capital limit of £23,250 are expected to meet all their personal care costs from income or capital, while assets below £14,250 are exempt. The figures were due to rise to £100,000 and £20,000 respectively this Autumn but plans have been frozen.
However, about one third (35%) of over-45s did not know there was an upper capital limit, while 22% thought it was much higher.
Lowe added: “Most people’s knowledge is very vague, as shown by the fact that 45% think that care costs are capped although this is a policy that has never been and may never be implemented.
“It’s hard for people to plan when they are confused about what support the state will provide and what responsibilities they are expected to shoulder for themselves. No one is expecting a miracle cure but there is no reason not to put in place a solid foundation on which people can start to plan.”
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