Over Half of UK Retirees Concerned About Rising Care Costs
UKPulse Consumer Desk
New research reveals that 55% of UK retirees surveyed in May 2026 are worried about affording future care, an increase from previous years. This comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to reforming England's social care system.
- 55% of UK retirees surveyed in May 2026 expressed concern about future care costs, up from 46% in 2024 and 51% in 2025.
- Residential care in the UK typically costs £1,300 per week for self-funders, with nursing care averaging £1,512 per week.
- The Casey Commission, launched in 2025 to review social care in England, is now expected to deliver its final recommendations in 2027.
More than half of UK retirees are concerned about the financial burden of future care, according to new research. A May 2026 survey found that 55% of retirees are worried about affording care, an increase from 46% in 2024 and 51% in 2025.
Care costs have been rising, with residential home care typically costing £1,300 per week for self-funders in the UK. Nursing care averages £1,512 per week, while nursing dementia care, often the most extensive support, costs £1,585.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to reform England's social care system. The Casey Commission, established in 2025 to review social care in England, is now due to provide its final recommendations in 2027. Potential reforms include a basic level of free personal care, a cap on care costs, or an NHS-style care system.
For those needing care, funding options include local authority support, NHS funding in specific cases, or personal savings. Local authority funding is means-tested, with eligibility depending on savings, assets, and income. In England, the personal expenses allowance for 2026-27 is £31.80 per week.
Why this matters: The rising concern among retirees highlights the significant financial challenge posed by care costs, coinciding with the Prime Minister's commitment to reform the social care system in England.
What this means for you: If you anticipate needing care, contacting your local authority for a needs and financial assessment is a crucial first step, even if you expect to self-fund. This assessment may identify alternative solutions or eligibility for NHS funding.