The panel of ITV show Loose Women have attracted criticism following comments on the average cost of putting a relative in care.

On 15 August, the panel were discussing the pros and cons of sending a relative to receive care in a luxury resort in Thailand, with panellist Charlene White commenting that the families would be getting more for their money.

Former Saturdays band member Frankie Bridge then described her own family’s experience, to which White retorted that “the average cost of being in a care home is £700 a month which for some families”.

Denise Welch interjected, correcting her that “It’s a lot more than that! £700 a week easy in some (care homes).”

Viewers have responded on social media to the comments:
Helenintgarden: “I don’t know where #LooseWomen get the idea that it is only £700 a month to live in a care home… people I know have to pay more like £1000+ per week…”

Mikega2020: “What care home is charging £700 a month? That should be the cheapest care home in UK #Loosewomen”

Steve Balf: “#loosewomen £700 per month!! Totally unrealistic nonsense!! My mum’s home cost £750 per week. My brother was £900 per week. And these costs were then plus additional care costs such as haircuts, manicures, new spectacles etc.”

John Fisher: “@loosewomen I want to live in Charlene White world!!! £700 a month care homes, try £700+ a week care homes!!! Out of touch with the real world?”

Going back to the main subject, Gloria Hunniford commented that she was “ totally against” sending older relatives to live abroad for care.

“I can’t imagine being sent or sending, if my mum was still alive with my dad, sending somebody 7,000 miles away to a place that maybe they’ve never been to before,” she added.
“Yes, I can see that all the luxuries are there, all the help is there and I do understand how expensive care homes are in this country. From a selfish point of view, I want to be able to visit my relation in the care home.”