How is the UK's ageing population putting pressure on families?
The UK's older generation is growing rapidly. This means those responsible for looking after their elderly loved ones have huge responsibilities, and are being placed under immense pressure. This causes a squeeze on the middle generations, meaning that their earnings cannot keep up with inflated living costs – costs that can continue grow as the dependency of the elderly increases on them.
Our #MakeTimeToday campaign has identified how families can alleviate these pressures on themselves, and how through better communication and understanding of the help available, they can improve the lives of their loved ones during their later years.
We have outlined 4 key areas:
Let's Get Started
Chapter 01
The Tipping Point & Trigger Point
How do you know if your loved one needs care and how can you help?
Read more...
Chapter 02
The Care Conversation
How do you start and contribute to the care conversation?
Read more...
Chapter 03
Choosing Care
What’s the best option for your loved one?
Read more...
Chapter 04
Paying for Care
How do you find a way to pay for care? Is there help available elsewhere?
Read more...
Chapter 01
The Tipping Point & Trigger Point
As we’ve explained, our ageing population has resulted in a sharp increase in care requirements.
This is overstretching guardians and leaving thousands of elderly people without the support they need.
Every day, someone makes new sacrifices to provide care for their elderly loved one, and the weight is becoming too much to bear.
This is true across the UK, and we’re heading towards a tipping point, when there will be more people who need support.
Swipe left to see more...
Care commitments are increasing...
We’re now spending...
0 hours
every year caring for an elderly relative
That’s a total 119.49 million hours put in by makeshift carers. And this will rise to 200 million by 2050...
Swipe left to see more...
You might not have caring responsibilities just yet. However, care requirements can change instantly.
In one moment, such as after a short or sudden illness, it can become clear that a loved one can no longer live independently. This 'Trigger Point' kicks the care process into action.
Read and download
Understanding and navigating the trigger point
For more useful information on this topic, please download our #maketimetoday guide found on the bottom right hand side of your screen.
Chapter 02
The Care Conversation
Care is a tough subject to talk about – and many don’t even know where to begin. Our survey revealed that people are frustrated. They used the following words to describe how they felt...
Raising the issue of care with a loved one can be unnerving, reviewing options is confusing, and making a choice is frustrating.
The care conversation is a huge source of stress for many... but it doesn't have to be this way.
People faced with making crucial decisions want to make the best choices but many are at a loss as to where to turn.
Benenden gives people the support and guidance they need to start the care conversation, letting you build a healthy communication channel through which the right care choices can be made.
I found the whole care system confusing, with a complete lack of understandable advice.
Read and download
How to start the care conversation
For more useful information on this topic, please download our #maketimetoday guide found on the bottom right hand side of your screen.
Chapter 03
Choosing Care
Choosing the right care option for your loved one involves three key steps:
- Understanding the options available.
- Identifying the service that your loved one’s needs.
- Picking the right place/facility to administer this care.
Care options are split into two main categories:
Read and download
Choosing the Best Care Options
For more useful information on this topic, please download our #maketimetoday guide found on the bottom right hand side of your screen.
View chapter 04
Paying for Care
How do you find a way to pay for care? Is there help available elsewhere?
Chapter 04
Paying For Care
The costs of care continues to confuse people, with as many as 57% uncertain about how much they’re actually paying to look after their loved one.
Contrary to popular belief, you may not need to fund care costs alone. Help is available for those who need it – and there are several steps you can take to maximise care money.
Calculating Care Costs
A means test calculates the value of your loved one’s asset and subsequently determines their eligibility for state assistance.
State assistance is also available in the form of grants, including Carer’s Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance to name a few.
Read and download
Paying for Care and Getting Your Affairs in Order
For more useful information on this topic, please download our #maketimetoday guide found on the bottom right hand side of your screen.
View Chapter 01
The Tipping Point & Trigger Point
How do you know if your loved one needs care and how can you help?
