West Sussex: Why It’s Time to Start Talking About Care
When most of us think about planning for later life, we focus on pensions, wills, or where we might live. Yet one of the most important parts of growing older often gets left out of the conversation: how we want to be cared for if we need extra support.
A recent survey shows that under a quarter (24%) of adults in the UK have spoken with their families about their care wishes. In the South East, the number is even lower at 19%, meaning the majority of people are leaving decisions about care until a time of crisis. This silence often leads to choices being made in haste, potentially without knowing what really matters to the person at the centre of it all.
Why the Conversation Matters
Avoiding discussions about care might feel easier in the moment, but it can create real difficulties later. Families often find themselves making big decisions during stressful times, which may result in care arrangements that do not reflect personal preferences. The pressure of these decisions can also add strain to relationships and finances.
But when we start the conversation early, we can not only ensure that our wishes are understood and respected, but also give family members peace of mind should they need to make arrangements on our behalf. By allowing time to plan practically, emotionally, and financially for later life, we’re giving ourselves and our loved ones clarity and confidence when difficult decisions need to be made, whether they be due to accident or illness.
Although fewer people in the South East have spoken about their care wishes, attitudes to paying for and arranging care mirror results in other parts of the country. Many expect to fund care themselves, while others assume support will come from their local authority or from family. Some are prepared to sell their home to cover costs.
There are also clear emotional concerns. More than half of people in the South East worry about being a burden on their families, and many say they would prefer professional care rather than relying solely on loved ones.
Breaking the Silence
So how can families begin to talk about something that feels so sensitive? The key is to start small. These exchanges do not need to be formal or overwhelming. They can begin with simple statements about preferences and values.
For example:
- “If I ever need extra help at home, here’s what I’d like.”
- “I think I would prefer professional care, rather than relying only on family. How would we make that work?”
- “Let’s look at what’s realistic for the future based on my finances.”
By framing discussions in this way, families can avoid the pressure of last-minute decision making. Instead, they can focus on making choices together, at a pace that feels right. These decisions are also most effective when the whole family is involved, not just a nominated next of kin or someone with power of attorney. When only one or two voices are heard, it can later lead to disagreements about what is best. This can create tension and even conflict at a time when unity is most needed. Reaching consensus together helps avoid friction and ensures the person at the centre of the decision gets the support they need.
Local Support in West Sussex
For families in West Sussex, these conversations do not need to happen in isolation. Chris White-Smith, Care Consultant at Promedica24 West Sussex, is available to talk with families about different care options. Speaking with someone who understands both the emotional and practical sides of care planning can make the process less daunting.
Alongside his professional expertise, Chris also draws on personal insights gained from supporting close relatives through their own care journey. This gives him a genuine understanding of the challenges families face when trying to balance practical needs with differing opinions about the best way forward.
Over the years, Chris has supported many families in exploring live-in care as an alternative to residential settings. “My role is not about pushing decisions before people are ready, but about guiding families through the choices available so they feel prepared for whatever the future may bring,” he says.
While support with day-to-day tasks is an important aspect of care, it’s also about preserving dignity, independence, and choice. When decisions are left until the last moment, those elements can easily be lost. By planning ahead, families give themselves the chance to shape care in a way that feels right for them.
Having these conversations now means your wishes are clear and your family understands them. It avoids unnecessary conflict later and ensures that care decisions reflect who you are and what matters to you.
If you have not yet spoken with your loved ones about your care wishes, consider making it a topic for your next get-together. The earlier these conversations begin, the more control you have over the future.
If you would like to explore the options available or simply get some guidance on how to start the conversation, you can reach out to Chris White-Smith at Promedica24 West Sussex by phoning 07836 256639, emailing c.white-smith@promedica24.co.uk or clicking here to request a callback.
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