Care Planning Gap Exposed

New research found that seven in 10 Surrey residents aged 60 and over are concerned about how they would pay for care and support if they needed it, but only one in 10 has made specific plans for their future.

A YouGov survey commissioned by Surrey County Council highlights a significant gap between people’s concerns about future care needs and the steps they have taken to prepare. Women are more likely than men to worry about how they would pay for care, while men are less likely to have started planning.

The research also highlights the importance of putting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. While awareness is high – 82 per cent of respondents say they fully understand what an LPA is – more than half (55 per cent) have not yet put one in place. An LPA enables someone to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. It can cover health and welfare, property and financial affairs, or both.

The findings will help inform Surrey County Council’s Planning for your Future programme, delivered in partnership with Age UK Surrey. The programme encourages residents to think about their future needs, understand their options and discuss their wishes with family and loved ones. There is strong demand for this support. Some 130 people registered for the programme’s first dedicated finance and legal event in Leatherhead on 22 September, highlighting the need for trusted information and advice to help people plan for the future.

The YouGov survey of 296 Surrey residents found that 70 per cent are concerned about how they would finance future care needs. Even more are worried about losing their independence (81 per cent) or having to rely on others (77 per cent). Women were significantly more likely than men to say they were concerned about how they would pay for care, at 78 per cent compared with 61 per cent.

The research suggests many residents have a good understanding of the potential cost of care in Surrey. More than two-thirds (68 per cent) estimated that care home fees could exceed £1,400 a week. However, this awareness does not appear to be translating into action. Only nine per cent of respondents have made specific plans for their future care and support needs. This could include making financial plans or agreeing arrangements with family or others. A further 18 per cent are considering their options or discussing them with family, but have not yet put firm plans in place.

The findings come amid continuing public confusion about how social care is funded and provided. National research by Ipsos UK for the Health Foundation in 2025 found that 31 per cent of people believe the NHS provides the majority of social care services for older people, while 33 per cent believe social care services are generally free at the point of need.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Nobody knows what the future holds but we do know that planning ahead can make a real difference. Our research shows that many people are worried about future care and support needs, yet relatively few have started preparing.

“It was encouraging to see so much interest in our recent finance and legal event, and I hope these findings prompt more people to start thinking about what matters to them and make use of the information and support available. Whether it's understanding the costs involved, having a conversation with loved ones or putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, taking some steps now can save a lot of worry later on. We're committed to helping Surrey residents access the information they need to make decisions about the future with confidence.”

Catherine Hodgson, CEO of Age UK Surrey, said: “Planning ahead can feel daunting, particularly when thinking about care, finances and the possibility of needing support in the future. But taking time to understand your options and talk about your wishes can give you and your family greater clarity and peace of mind.

“Our experience through the Planning for your Future programme shows that people value having trusted, accessible information to help them make decisions that are right for them. We want to encourage more people to start these conversations early, while they have the time and opportunity to consider what matters most to them. You don’t have to have all the answers straight away – taking that first step is what matters.”

Jane Finnerty, Joint Chair of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), said: "It’s clear that many of us worry about paying for any future care we might need. Talking to an accredited adviser is a simple first step towards better planning and can offer peace of mind for people and their families.”

Liz Dalgetty, Consultant Solicitor representing the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, added: “Don’t leave it too late. It is never too early to plan ahead with help from a trusted and qualified advisor.

“Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and be prepared for the unexpected. No-one knows what the future will hold. Planning ahead whilst you are well gives you time to understand and think about what is best for you and your family. You will then all have support in place to help you in the future.”

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 296 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th August - 1st September 2026. The survey was carried out online.