A new survey by personal alarm specialists SureSafe amongst 1,000 over-75s has found that one in five are “worried” or “very worried” about being able to pay for normal everyday living costs and 60% are “worried” or “somewhat worried” about their ability to pay for their care.

SureSafe’s latest survey shows that the cost-of-living crisis is hitting the over 75s hard.

A shocking 7 in 10 report having been negatively impacted by the crisis in some way. Even more worryingly, 20% of sometimes need to choose between essential purchases such as heating, electricity and eating.

The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting care-based decisions. According to SureSafe’s survey results, current care options are simply not affordable for the majority of pensioners. “Out of those we spoke to,” they say, “74% find at-home care to be unaffordable and a staggering 90% find care homes and nursing homes to be unaffordable.

“It comes as no surprise that people want to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible. In fact, 96% say that they would prefer to remain living independently as opposed to moving into a care home or to living with family members.”

In addition, more than half (56%) of those surveyed believe that the government needs to do more to help them through the cost-of-living crisis.

Says Daniel Westhead Director at SureSafe, “Your Golden Years should be a time to relax, not stress over the cost of future care. We were saddened to hear more than 70% of over 75s are concerned the cost-of-living crisis will impact their ability to take care of themselves as they age.

“This is a major stressor for many pensioners and can trigger or worsen conditions like depression and anxiety. And of course, quality of life is the first thing impacted when financial pressures lead to cutting back on care-related expenses.”

Full survey: SureSafe Survey_The impact of UK cost-of-living crisis on care-based decisions for the over 75’s

SureSafe’s website: https://personalalarms.org/