New Research Finds A Drop In Care Home Residents Across England: Here’s What It Means For The Elderly Care Sector

Recent research from the ONS has found a 7.9% reduction in the number of care home residents in England, when compared with figures before the coronavirus pandemic. Over 34% were self-funded residents (where all care and support are funded by themselves) – which is a 12% drop – since the pandemic.

The amount of self-funded care home residents is influenced by location. The Southeast remained the region with the highest proportion of self-funders (44.1%) and the Northeast remained the lowest (21.5%), which is a statistically significant difference.

Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and Care Expert at Lottie, shares how the rising cost of living has impacted the number of self-funding care home residents:

“Many households across the UK have been faced with the rising cost of living, causing a huge amount of stress and worry for the elderly population, especially those on a limited income. We’re also seeing more families across the country providing support for an elderly relative since the pandemic, instead of placing their loved one in a care home.

Whilst the latest research from the ONS has found bed occupancy has dramatically lowered, it has recovered much quicker than those in the elderly care sector predicted. There are positive signs that the care home industry will recover and continue to provide the highest level of personal care for all residents.

The increased cost of living will have impacted the amount of self-funders in care homes across the UK, as more residents will now rely on funding support. It is self-funders who are hit hardest by the rising costs of care homes, after homes across the UK have had to increase the cost of care to cover everyday costs.

As well, we’re seeing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in different areas of the UK, with the Northeast having the least number of self-funders, in comparison to the Southeast. We must raise awareness of the financial and practical support for anyone struggling with the cost-of-living crisis: if you are worried or concerned about an elderly relative – for instance that they are neglecting themselves or they are unable to cope with the increased living costs – it is important to seek help.”

Our new research has found a surge of families caring for elderly relatives:

“An ageing population means more people are living longer, and many families are finding themselves caring for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives, as opposed to receiving support from care homes.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, more families are providing unpaid care for their elderly loved ones, and this will have caused a drop in the number of care home residents in the UK”, shares Will Donnelly.

“Over the last 12 months, our new research found more workers turned to Google to find support for giving up employment to care for someone:

  • 300% increase in online searches on Google for ‘giving up work to be a carer’
  • 200% increase in online searches on Google for ‘giving up work to care for someone’
  • 25% increase in online searches on Google for ‘carers in the workplace’ and ‘working

This new research – coupled with the latest ONS release – highlights the importance of raising awareness of the support available for the elderly community during the cost-of-living crisis – and for anyone supporting their personal care needs.

The level of personal care many elderly people need as they get older means they will likely need round-the-clock nursing care to support their health and wellbeing. Whilst caring for a loved one is rewarding; it isn’t without its challenges. This is where care homes across the UK come in: they can provide 24-hour personal support form trained individuals.”

What support is available for unpaid carers?

  1. Financial help

You may be entitled to certain benefits paid for by the Government, including a carer’s allowance.

This could relieve some of the pressure and worry facing those caring for an elderly relative. It’s worth checking via a benefits calculator, as you may also be able to claim for support with your council tax or help with fuel costs.

  1. Practical support

Caring for an elderly parent can be very rewarding, but it can be a challenge and leave you feeling overwhelmed. All carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment from their local council, so you may be able to ask for additional support (especially if you’re a working carer), or any equipment to make caring for your loved one easier.

Alternatively, if your elderly parent requires round-the-clock support and you’re unable to provide this, you can browse local care homes that offer nursing or residential care.

  1. Confide in those around you

It’s understandable to feel isolated and lonely but opening up about how you’re feeling can be a huge relief. Your close friends or family may be able to support you and help with caring for your elderly parent, to alleviate some pressure off you.

Alternatively, you may find it helpful to connect with those in similar situations. A quick search online will show you any local support groups for you to attend.