As more people grow older, the need for good social care is increasing. But is the care available what older people want? A recent survey of people aged 50 and over in England asked about their preferences for care if they ever need a lot of help. The study shows how different factors like age, income, background, and personal experiences affect what people want. This information can help decision-makers build care systems that truly serve older adults – this is especially important after the challenges of COVID-19.

Why it matters

Older adults are more likely to need care, yet their preferences are often overlooked. When care services don’t match what older people need or want, their quality of life may suffer. Understanding these needs is essential for creating a care system that is fair, effective, and focused on the individual. 

In our recent study we investigated what people prefer when it comes to where they live, how flexible their care should be, and how they can stay connected to their community.  We also examined how factors like income, ethnicity, and personal care experiences affect these preferences. The findings provide useful information for decision-makers to improve social care in the future.

What did we learn

• Staying at Home/Ageing in Place: Most people prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. However, if that’s not possible, many are open to alternatives like sheltered housing or retirement villages. This means that policies should support home-based care.
• Access to Information: Many respondents, especially those with lower incomes, felt they did not have enough information about available care services. Better communication is needed so everyone knows how to get the help they require.
• Community Preferences: The study found that some groups—such as women, people from Asian backgrounds, and those with higher incomes—prefer living in communities with people of all ages. In contrast, younger older adults often want to live with people closer to their own age.
• Control and Flexibility: A strong desire for independence was common. Many older adults, particularly those already receiving care or with higher incomes, want to have more control over how their care is managed.
• Local Care Options: Many older people prefer care arranged by local authorities, as they value caregivers who understand their personal and cultural needs. Meanwhile, higher-income individuals are more open to private or technology-based care options.

What Needs to Change

With the number of older people growing, it is important to build care systems that allow for independence, flexibility, and personal control. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for everyone. Decision-makers should:

• Focus on keeping people in their own homes as long as possible.
• Provide clear, accessible information about care services for everyone.
• Offer different types of care options that respect individual and cultural differences.

By aligning care systems with what older adults actually want, we can create a fairer and more compassionate system that helps people live with dignity and independence.

For more details on this project please see here and read our publication.  

Related