New research from Just Group has finds that the majority (56%) of over-45s believe that delays to reforming social care hampered the response against COVID-19. Nearly two thirds of over-75s also say that they are more likely to seek care in their own homes following the COVID-19 crisis rather than in a residential setting. 

The research also finds strong party-political allegiances when it comes to people’s confidence in Boris Johnson to push through care reforms. Nine in 10 of those who think he will produce a social care policy this Parliament were Conservative voters, while 83% of those who are not confident voted for other parties. 

In the absence of reform people are coping as best they can, but those who have had  experience organising care for loved ones often find it an onerous undertaking. Four in five (78%) found the system complex and hard to navigate, three-quarters (77%) found the process stressful and nearly nine in 10 (88%) were  shocked at how expensive care  is.

Stephen Lowe, Group Communications Director at Just Group, commented: “Every year our report sheds light on the understanding and attitudes of the over-45s towards adult social care.

“Later life care has for years been the elephant in the room for families – an issue they have found easier to ignore than address. Politicians are reinforcing this by promising reforms but never delivering. 

“In the wake of Coronavirus, we desperately need our policymakers to reinvigorate the debate and to lead the way towards a system that helps people look ahead with confidence rather than trepidation.”

The research was carried out in two tranches earlier this year, capturing the mood soon  after the 2019 General Election  and during the coronavirus lockdown.

The full Just Group Care Report 2020: Coronavirus – can the catastrophe be a catalyst? can be found here.