One in seven of the over 60s would resist moving into a care home, a new poll has revealed.

The survey of 1,300 adults commissioned by Sanctuary Care also revealed one in eight had not planned for later life care.

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, chief operating officer for the not-for-profit care home provider, said: “It is no secret that the care sector has been through an incredibly challenging time, and this has had an impact on the public’s perception of care homes, but we know that the reality of life in our care homes can be fun, enriching and a lifeline to many. 

 “It is important to understand the honest opinions of those who might require care home services in the coming years so that we can continue to rebuild faith and trust in the sector. 

“We understand that moving yourself or a loved one into a care home may stir up a range of emotions as it signals a change for any family. 

“However, we know our care homes are caring, safe and empowering communities, which enrich the lives of residents and provide families much-needed peace of mind.” 

The research highlighted that the most significant reasons why over 60s have not planned for later life care is due to fear of losing their independence. Other reasons included:

• 25% of participants feel they have ‘more pressing things to worry about’
• 62% said that they feared their quality of life would diminish living in a facility
• 67% said they don’t think they would be able to continue to do what they love
• 68% said they feel like they would resist any attempt to move into a care home.

The data indicated that one in four are unsure if care facilities are a safe environment, with 39% being concerned that staff shortages in the care industry will impact their later life.

When asked how care homes could rebuild their trust: two-thirds of respondents (67%) highlighted adequate staffing; with 64% wanting to see an improvement in their quality of life; and 53% wanting to know lessons had been learnt from the pandemic.

Almost half (45%) of respondents said they were trying to save enough for some form of home care.