A NEW YouGov poll shows 64% of adults in the Yorkshire and Humber region are not saving for future care home fees and have no plans to – the highest proportion of any UK region.

The survey, commissioned by leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell, reveals that 69% admit they don’t know the average cost of a care home and a further 62% think costs are met by selling your home – also more than any UK region.

Leeds tops the poll for saving for future care home fees, but 71% admit they don’t know the cost. Adults estimate the cost at £635 per week, when the regional figure is £825, with fees rising 10.9% in the past 12 months.

The Yorkshire and Humber region is also in the top three of poorly performing care homes along with the North West and the South East.

Gillian Coverley, tax, trusts and estates partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said: “There is a knowledge gap over everything from the true cost of care and how it is funded, to simple things like seeking advice.

“Given government policy on the topic is in limbo, it should come as no surprise many in our region appear to be in the same boat.

“Future care planning hints at mortality and, like making a will, it’s not a topic anyone likes to face.

“However, given care home abuse scandals coupled with the looming crisis in care funding, it’s an issue neither politicians nor public can afford to ignore much longer.”