New research has revealed that almost half of Brits (47%) have a holiday fund, whereas only 3% have a care home fund.

The research from Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, also found that almost three quarters of Brits (73%) have no idea how much the average weekly cost of a room in residential care is, while 56% don’t know whether they would be entitled to state funding in a care home.

“This new research from Care England comes at a time when social care is high on the political agenda,” commented Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of the body.

“It shows that we, as a sector, need to do more to inform the public and dispel the myths that have evolved.  We hope that communities will engage with Care Home Open Day on Friday June 16th as a means to celebrate their connections with their local community.”

Care Home Open Day takes place Friday 16th June and will focus on the importance of friendship, building on Care England’s research that 57% of people think that greater intervention with the local community can combat isolation. In addition, six in 10 people believe that making visiting hours more flexible would be helpful.

For more information on Care Home Open Day visit: www.carehomeopenday.org.uk