Cost For Day Care

[Thisoldbird]

I've just read an advert for Day Care, £65 a day. 10am til 3pm

Is it just me who concider that amount of money exorbitant?

My late husband went to day care costing £35a day. It was just about affordable.

Bearing in mind people who benefit from these sessions are elderly or disabled. Where do the organisers think pensions and limited benefits get a spare £65.
It seems an awful lot to me.

[Old_Geezer]

I have no idea how the system works but my immediate observation was that if that covered an 8 hour working day it would be well below minimum age for a single individual, before adding on costs. But again, I've no idea what it involves.

[bobbinwales]

I would have expected a lot more expensive...nursery places cost more.

[barry1010]

OG, this isn't one on one, it is like a playgroup for the adults who for any reason can't be left home alone. It gives them a change of scene and the full time carer gets a break

[roopower]

Many people feel that carers deserve more money so I assume that some of the £65 pays them. I'm also assuming, as I don't have experience of older day care, that they have some form of training and perhaps so many people per carer. If it's open all day there must be meals and drinks involved which probably means a cook and helper (s). If this is a centre run by an organisation the cook will have to be trained in nutrition and be paid accordingly. Then there's the building/room - rented, hired? More money.

[barry1010]

This service used to be provided by the local council, sometimes free of charge, usually quite affordable, depending on the person's circumstances.
My local council stopped it some time ago and I know of two elderly people who had to go in to a home because the relative could no longer cope without the support, never mind trying to make ends meet on the pitiful carer's allowance.

[Henry1865]

I had to have a carer for a few weeks after coming out of hopital. She [if I may be allowed to use the word] cost £20 an hour so there was every incentive to get back into DIY mode.

[barry1010]

It's not cheap, Henry. Of course your carer wasn't earning £20 an hour, travelling time has to be taken in to account.
I don't think I could do that job, to be fair - not look after strangers in their home.

[Beaupeep]

There's been a lot in the news lately about what they call "the biggest increase in state pension yet". State pension is said to have risen more as a percentage than the average pay increase for workers.
I won't argue the point but it seems to me that some of these places may well consider that pensioners can now be fleeced of a few spare quid in order to pay these exorbitant fees.
What these organisations don't realise is that fuel prices alone will probably swallow up that increase. We all have to pay that regardless of if we are pensioners or in employment.

[barry1010]

Beaupeep, you are so right. There are many unavoidable extra costs especially if housebound and not particularly able bodied. Doing star jumps to keep warm is impossible and extra clothing /blankets don't work.

[Buenchico]

Essex County Council charge £12.75 'per session', which I'd guess might be for a morning or afternoon:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/council-care-charges