Si King backs Darlington campaign urging earlier care planning

Bluebird Care Northallerton, Thirsk and Catterick is backing a national campaign after research revealed that 65 per cent of UK adults have not prepared for care in later life, with 48 per cent unsure where to begin.

The campaign is fronted by broadcaster Si King, who has shared his personal experience of care while supporting his mother through Alzheimer’s disease and his friend and fellow Hairy Biker Dave Myers through serious illness.

Mr King said: “Care is something most of us avoid thinking about until life forces the conversation.

“I’ve seen first-hand how quickly everything can change, and how little we often understand about care until we’re right in the middle of it.

“I’m proud to be working with Bluebird Care to help people start talking earlier, understand their options, and keep living on their own terms for as long as possible.”

Research commissioned by Bluebird Care also found that nearly a quarter of adults believe they may need to sell their home to cover care costs, which are estimated to average around £200,000 per person over a lifetime.

Despite this lack of preparation, preferences for care are clear.

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) said they would rather stay in their own home or live with family than move into a care home.

Bluebird Care Northallerton, Thirsk and Catterick is now calling for earlier conversations about care.

The home care provider has launched a Good Care Checklist, which includes practical advice for families to help them understand care choices and navigate the system.

The checklist is available at bluebirdcare.co.uk/the-good-care-guide.