More people are prepared for their own funeral than for their later life care, a new survey has revealed.

The Opinium survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by Loveday found only 14% were prepared for their later life care compared with 28% who were prepared for their funeral arrangements.

Only 22% felt ready to handle a care crisis for a loved one or dependant. Planning for later life didn’t differ by age with the over 55s feeling as unprepared as the 18-34s, with 83% of both age groups admitting they were unprepared for later life care and 90% of 34-55s feeling unprepared.

Darren Pitcher, care & quality director at Loveday, said: “Even having a brief plan can be immensely beneficial during a care crisis. A quick search on the CQC website can pinpoint care providers in your vicinity and many providers also offer respite care, allowing you time to make more informed long-term decisions. This straightforward process ensures peace of mind, providing a clear direction in case urgent care is needed.”

In further findings, 83% of respondents expressed concerns about placing a loved one or dependent into care, 61% worried about quality of care and 49% were apprehensive about the financial implications of care.

Two-thirds (33%) admitted they would feel guilty about putting a loved one in care and one in ten worried about how to bring up the subject of care with a loved one.

Around one-third (32%) believed the quality of care homes in the UK was poor, while only 18% considered it good. Only half of the surveyed individuals (50%) deemed care homes to be adequate, despite over four-fifths of care homes being rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC.

A startling 93% feared the ageing process with top concerns including declining health (61%), dementia and loss of mobility (both 55%). Women (63%) were more worried about dementia than men (48%). Nearly half (48%) were anxious about losing independence and 43% feared the passing away of friends.

Under a quarter (24%) claimed to be knowledgeable about the process of arranging care and more than a third (36%) admitted they wouldn’t know where to start when considering later life care

Common first steps contemplated included online research (25%), contacting the GP (22%) and seeking advice from friends and/or family (17%), with only 14% thinking of going to social service, 8% the council and 3% to a charity for information first.