Research by Saga shows that 50 per cent of people greatly underestimate the cost of long-term care.

Care homes already cost between £25,000 and £30,000 a year, and Saga forecasts the figure will double in the next 20 years.

Responding to the study, Lizzie McLennan, Senior Policy Officer for Social Care at Help the Aged, says:

'We can’t assume that families will step in to cover the gaps in paying for care. The system would fall apart without family carers – they should not be expected to provide the care and foot the bill.

'Families are the backbone of care and their support shouldn’t be taken advantage of'

'Serious questions about the future of social care are currently being debated and the role of families and carers needs to be a priority. Families are the backbone of care and their support shouldn’t be taken advantage of.'

Right care, Right deal is a new campaign for innovative social care solutions. Help the Aged, Counsel & Care and Carers UK are urging the government to renew its vision for the future of social care in England.

Find out more about Right care Right deal