It's no mystery that we are living longer. The by-product of healthier living and improvements in medicine is that our life expectancy has risen dramatically over the past 50 years. However, many of us are so confident about a healthy future that we don't factor in the possibility of a setback. The unfortunate fact of ageing is that as we get older, most of us will need some help with everyday tasks.

With an ageing population in this country and an already over-stretched National Health Service, it is wise to encourage our parents to include the cost of long term care in their financial planning. It is no longer an option to assume the state will look after us into our old age; many people who did this have been forced to sell their homes to pay for their care which costs an average £540 per week.

Many of us have seen the value of our homes dramatically increase since we bought them and it is therefore necessary to preserve and use this asset when planning long term care. By using some of the excellent equity release products available, it is possible to fund for long term care whilst remaining at home, which often has a huge quality of life benefit for your parents.

We can advise and help your parents to plan the most efficient method of funding long term care whilst protecting your family assets. Please use our free guides and tools for further information.  To speak to one of our independent financial advisors please contact us or call 01225 44 88 32.