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Expectations & Aspirations: Public attitudes towards social care

in
Publisher: 
IPPR
Author: 
IPPR
Date published: 
1 June, 2009
Region: 
United Kingdom

Publication type: 
research
Publication link: 
Expectations & Aspirations: Public attitudes towards social care
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UK public out of touch with reality of future social care needs

A recent report by IPPR and Pricewaterhouse Cooper, based on findings from a YouGov survey of 1,993 adults across Britain, indicates the lack of awareness, preparation and a good deal of confusion about how social care services are funded and future care needs in the UK.
 
According to this report the public are unaware of the system of social care in the UK, while nearly ¼ of those surveyed have a caring role.
 
There is also confusion about how services are funded and the amount of individual contribution involved as only 46 per cent of people are aware that care provision is actually means tested.
 
The lack of preparation was highlighted as 88 % of those surveyed had no provisions set aside for their own care and many young people felt they simply could not consider planning for such provisions.
 
When questioned on the role of the family in providing care support and the idea of compulsory family support in the future, 52 % feet they should not be compelled to pay for relatives care and 45% prefer the suggestion of professional staff providing their own care.
 
Significant numbers also believe there should be some change to the current means tested system and the possibility of covering costs by individual contributions alongside state funding.
 
Finally, the majority do not feel well enough informed about social care services and the reality of the financial implications. Such lack of awareness indicates a serious lack of preparation.
 

 

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