News

18/07/2012 13:05:47

Londoners worst for underestimating cost of care

New figures have shown that people in London risk leaving themselves short of money as they underestimate the cost of residential care on average by 18 per cent.

The Partnership Care Index reveals that the real cost of care in London is £35,516, but people only estimate that it will set them back £28,864 - a £6,652 shortfall.

However, those in the south west were found to have the most accurate perceptions, as they were only £52 out on average.

Chris Horlick, managing director of care at Partnership, warned that misconceptions held by Londoners could mean that they are not getting their financial planning right. 

"This is a matter of significant public concern," he said. "If people are not aware of the real costs of care they will not plan properly to fund them."

Overall, respondents thought that 41 per cent of over 65s would need to go into long-term care for an average of six years and three months.