The number of people who are having to pay for all their care in a care home themselves has increased to 41% of all residents (155,000 in total) in 2009, according to figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats.

These figures come as no surprise to Counsel and Care. Worries about how to pay for a care home stay remains the biggest concern for older people who contact Counsel and Care's advice service, making up over 30% of all calls. Enquirers continually express concern about having to use large amounts of their savings and capital to pay for care, and about how the cost of care home placements is getting more and more expensive.

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