Hot spots for over 65s living in care homes revealed
Worthing in West Sussex has the highest percentage of over 65s living in care homes in England and Wales, research has revealed.
The findings came in analysis by social care charity Guild Care of data from the Office of National Statistics’ ‘Older people living in care homes and changes over time’ report.
Worthing has the highest percentage of people 65 and over living in a care home, with 4.7%, or 1,168 out of 24,953.
Blackpool and Hastings have the second-highest numbers, with 4.3% of over-65s being in care homes.
Eastbourne, Lincoln, and Reigate and Banstead each come in third with 4.1%.
Kevin Burke, director of care homes and dementia services at Guild Care, said: “The data supports our experience that there is an increased need for high-quality care home placements.
“It comes as no surprise as we face an ageing population, living with complex comorbidities, raising the need for quality care home placements across England and Wales.
“Moving into a care home can be a very difficult decision but done at the right time and in the right home can be a very positive experience, enabling loved ones to live fulfilling, safe, and secure lives where they can enjoy every day.
“You can rest assured that relatives in our care will be provided with expert nursing and person-centred care, where they’ll also gain a sense of community, reducing loneliness and isolation.”
The Southeast accounted for one-third of the top listed places (9 out of 29), closely followed by the Northwest with 7 entries. The Midlands had the next most locations (4).
By county, Lancashire topped the list (6 places), ahead of Surrey (5 places) and Sussex (4).
The top four in the list are all traditional English seaside resorts (Worthing, Blackpool, Hastings and Eastbourne) with Fylde and Torbay also featuring.
| Ranking | Area Name | Persons aged 65 and over living in a care home | Persons aged 65 and over | % of 65 and over population living in a care home |
| 1 | Worthing | 1,168 | 24,953 | 4.70% |
| 2 | Blackpool | 1,241 | 29,191 | 4.30% |
| 2 | Hastings | 784 | 18,419 | 4.30% |
| 3 | Eastbourne | 1,017 | 24,919 | 4.10% |
| 3 | Lincoln | 608 | 15,005 | 4.10% |
| 3 | Reigate and Banstead | 1,107 | 26,716 | 4.10% |
| 4 | Rossendale | 546 | 13,654 | 4.00% |
| 4 | Surrey Heath | 706 | 17,808 | 4.00% |
| 5 | Bromsgrove | 893 | 22,741 | 3.90% |
| 5 | Preston | 860 | 21,803 | 3.90% |
| 6 | Burnley | 649 | 16,896 | 3.80% |
| 6 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 1,705 | 44,515 | 3.80% |
| 6 | Watford | 484 | 12,890 | 3.80% |
| 7 | Cheltenham | 838 | 22,883 | 3.70% |
| 7 | Fylde | 833 | 22,643 | 3.70% |
| 7 | Middlesbrough | 900 | 24,178 | 3.70% |
| 8 | Elmbridge | 904 | 24,821 | 3.60% |
| 8 | Harrogate | 1,369 | 38,026 | 3.60% |
| 8 | Leicester | 1,561 | 43,501 | 3.60% |
| 8 | Sefton | 2,312 | 64,763 | 3.60% |
| 9 | Denbighshire | 829 | 23,747 | 3.50% |
| 9 | Hyndburn | 520 | 15,004 | 3.50% |
| 9 | Malvern Hills | 784 | 22,246 | 3.50% |
| 9 | Torbay | 1,310 | 37,187 | 3.50% |
| 9 | Waverley | 969 | 28,006 | 3.50% |
| 10 | Arun | 1,585 | 46,883 | 3.40% |
| 10 | Darlington | 743 | 22,040 | 3.40% |
| 10 | Hartlepool | 626 | 18,233 | 3.40% |
| 10 | Tandridge | 629 | 18,339 | 3.40% |
Haringey (0.9%) has the highest percentage of over 65s living in Greater London with Westminster (0.2%) having the lowest. Westminster also has the lowest percentage of over 65s living in care homes in England and Wales.
| Area Name | Persons aged 65 and over living in a care home | Persons aged 65 and over | % of 65 and over population living in a care home |
| Haringey | 247 | 27,712 | 0.90% |
| Hackney | 162 | 20,505 | 0.80% |
| Tower Hamlets | 136 | 17,472 | 0.80% |
| Broxbourne | 115 | 17,240 | 0.70% |
| Camden | 136 | 24,828 | 0.50% |
| Westminster | 53 | 24,781 | 0.20% |
