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| Care calculator launched by BBC | Care calculator launched by BBC |
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| The BBC has launched an online guide to the care system for the over-65s. | The BBC has launched an online guide to the care system for the over-65s. |
| The "care calculator" covers both residential care and the support provided in people's own homes, for tasks such as washing and dressing. | The "care calculator" covers both residential care and the support provided in people's own homes, for tasks such as washing and dressing. |
| Users can submit their postcode and find out how much each service costs wherever they live in the UK. | Users can submit their postcode and find out how much each service costs wherever they live in the UK. |
| It also gives details about how the systems differ in the four nations - since devolution, the way services are organised has diverged. | It also gives details about how the systems differ in the four nations - since devolution, the way services are organised has diverged. |
| The ageing population means there is an increasing focus on care services - and how they link up with the NHS. | The ageing population means there is an increasing focus on care services - and how they link up with the NHS. |
| About 420,000 people live in care homes across the UK, while another 850,000 get help in their own home. | About 420,000 people live in care homes across the UK, while another 850,000 get help in their own home. |
| Some people pay for all their care, while others get help from their local councils towards their fees. | Some people pay for all their care, while others get help from their local councils towards their fees. |
| There are another 1.5 million people who rely on friends and family for support. | There are another 1.5 million people who rely on friends and family for support. |
| The guide has been compiled using information from analysts LaingBuisson, councils and through the Freedom of Information Act. | The guide has been compiled using information from analysts LaingBuisson, councils and through the Freedom of Information Act. |
| It shows how care costs can vary - in Barnsley the average sum paid for a care home place is £399.13 a week, for example, while in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea costs top £1,000. | It shows how care costs can vary - in Barnsley the average sum paid for a care home place is £399.13 a week, for example, while in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea costs top £1,000. |
| Users in England are also able to get an estimate of how much they may have to pay before their care costs are capped under a reform due to be introduced in April 2016. | Users in England are also able to get an estimate of how much they may have to pay before their care costs are capped under a reform due to be introduced in April 2016. |
| Elsewhere in the UK, the guide provides information about local fees - and what elements of the system are free. | Elsewhere in the UK, the guide provides information about local fees - and what elements of the system are free. |
| In Scotland, personal care is free, while in Northern Ireland many do not have to pay for home care. In Wales, help at home is capped at £55 a week. | In Scotland, personal care is free, while in Northern Ireland many do not have to pay for home care. In Wales, help at home is capped at £55 a week. |
| BBC cost of care project | BBC cost of care project |
| Norman Lamb, England's care minister, said: "This calculator is a fantastic resource. | Norman Lamb, England's care minister, said: "This calculator is a fantastic resource. |
| "It gives you lots of great information and is what public sector broadcasting is all about. I'm really impressed." | "It gives you lots of great information and is what public sector broadcasting is all about. I'm really impressed." |
| Janet Morrison, chief executive of the Independent Age charity, said: "Working out what to pay for care is a complex business and is often approached at a strained and emotional point in people's lives. | Janet Morrison, chief executive of the Independent Age charity, said: "Working out what to pay for care is a complex business and is often approached at a strained and emotional point in people's lives. |
| "Anything that makes this process simpler to plan, understand and navigate is applauded." | "Anything that makes this process simpler to plan, understand and navigate is applauded." |
| Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, added: "The BBC's care cap calculator is a useful tool that brings some clarity to a complicated system." | Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, added: "The BBC's care cap calculator is a useful tool that brings some clarity to a complicated system." |