Planning for future care needs

There may be times in your life when you think about what will happen if you become seriously ill or disabled.

This may be at a time of ill health or as a result of a life-changing event. It may simply be because you are the sort of person who likes to plan ahead.

You may want to take the opportunity to think about what living with a serious illness might mean to you, your partner, or your relatives, particularly if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. You may wish to record what preferences and wishes for future care and treatment might be.

Read about what to do if someone can't make decisions themselves.

The costs of long-term care

Care has never been free and everyone should think about the care they may need in the future. The long-term costs of care can be significant, and while none of us like to think that we will become old, ill or disabled, it does happen. Likewise, if you're the parent of a disabled child, planning their future care and how it will be funded is vital.

Just like your pension, it is never too early to start thinking and planning your care and support needs and their costs.

Even if you're generally fit and healthy and of working age, don't ignore your future care. If you're making long-term financial arrangements, you may want to take into account the potential costs of your future care needs.

Read about how to get independent financial advice.