Care plans have been paused until government clarifies policy

According to findings from this year’s Just Group Care Report 12 million adults have delayed making social care plans.

The report, which was published today, is titled ‘Groundhog Day’. However, unlike the hit 1993 film of which most scenes begin with Sonny & Cher signing the line “I got you babe”, adults over 45 looking to establish a safe social care plan have next to no reassurance.

In fact, the report – which is completed annually and is the longest-running research series of its kind – found that of the 2,500 adults surveyed, 47% said they would delay making financial plans for residential care later in life until the government brings forward new plans for funding long-term care.

Meanwhile, 53% of respondents – the equivalent of 13 million adults – said they felt ‘confused’ by recent government announcements on the funding of residential care.

You could even go as far as saying our current government have taken backwards steps when it comes to funding care. In July – when Labour first came into power – newly appointed chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped Conservative plans for social care charging reforms that were set to be introduced in England in 2025. The changes would have introduced more generous means-test limits and an £86,000 cap on the amount anyone would have to spent on their personal care over their lifetime.

Against this backdrop, Stephen Lowe, group communications director at the retirement specialist Just Group, said the reports new findings underscore the need for the government to tackle the ongoing care crisis.

‘The latest cancellation of planned reforms chalks up yet another false start on care funding, which can be added to the long list of delays and postponements that have created significant uncertainty around social care,’ Stephen said.

‘It is unsurprising that our research continually finds high levels of confusion among adults. The fact that millions of people continue to put off making plans for later life care until they have clarity on government policy is a hugely concerning trend. It risks people being forced into decisions at the point of crisis without the necessary financial or practical preparations around how and where they would like later-life care.’

‘We urge the government to bring forward a new, funded plan as a matter of priority,’ Stephen added. ‘One that can create long-term certainty to help people begin putting plans in place and rebuild confidence in the sector.’

The report can be accessed in full here.

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