Councils demand top-ups from old people

Research from Counsel and Care, an advice service for older people, has warned the economic downturn has made it harder for people moving into a care home. Worries about how to pay for a care home is the biggest concern for older people, making up around 30 per cent of all calls received. In particular, there is concern about spending savings and capital to pay for care. Almost a fifth of calls were about ‘top up’ demands from councils. In England it is estimated that 35 per cent of council-funded residents have to look to a relative to ensure that their care costs are met in full.