A postcode lottery is creating thousands of pounds in care home fee disparities for people across the country.
For clients looking for care for themselves or a loved one, it's an emotional and financial stressor. But new research by the UK Care Guide has found that care costs can vary by thousands of pounds per year, simply because of where someone lives.
It seems fees aren't just being driven up by the cost of living crisis; there are big disparities up and down the country over how much someone could pay for care based on the city they live in. The overall average price for care per week in the UK is £883, up 11% from 2022. But the research reveals a £21,944 difference between the highest and lowest city averages1.
National breakdown
[Data from the UK Care Guide 2022]
The UK Care Guide survey was in respect of care homes that take on privately funded residents and would typically be regarded as mid to premium-level homes.
The percentage rise was different across the UK's cities, but all average annual costs are significant across the board.
- Brighton saw the highest increase of 15% between 2022 and 2023, costing on average £1,024 per week, or £53,222 per year.1
- London was the most expensive city at £1,114 per week, or £57,928 per year. 1
- The least expensive cities were Cardiff (£35,984) and Newcastle (£39,789).1
Care homes say costs have risen because of increasing staffing costs to attract and retain care workers, rising energy costs to keep homes warm and comfortable, and pricier food bills in the supply chain.1 But these costs could be being passed onto your clients who are helping their family with these costs, and who could already be struggling with the cost of living.
Care Concierge is here to help your clients
We know how difficult it can be for your clients navigating this aspect of later life for themselves or their loved ones. That's why at Legal & General we've introduced the free Care Concierge service to all Annuity, Lifetime Mortgage, Workplace Pension and Group Protection customers. Retail Protection customers with a policy starting 20 July 2023 onward can also access the service.
Care Concierge is here to help your clients understand the whole process more clearly, especially the funding options that can help ease the pressure. They can pick up the phone to talk to one of our care experts, and use the dedicated online hub, care costs calculator and other tools to help them make their final decision.
Care can be one of the most expensive costs in life. So it makes sense to help your clients access expert advice to find the best care that they can afford, wherever they live.
The UK Care Guide survey was in respect of care homes that take on privately funded residents and would typically be regarded as mid to premium-level homes.
1 https://ukcareguide.co.uk/rise-in-care-home-costs/
