Release date: 17 September 2026
West Sussex County Council is helping families make informed decisions about planning, choosing and paying for care through new support designed to guide people through the adult social care system and the wider care market, making it easier to understand the options available and plan for the future.
Care home fees in southeast England average £1,450 a week (around £69,000 a year) and people are often unaware that adult social care is not free. Most people will have to pay towards their care, leaving many unprepared. To address this, West Sussex County Council is stepping in early to help residents plan ahead and find out how to stay independent in their own homes for longer.
Central to this support is the latest annual West Sussex Care Guide. For many local residents the guide is the very first piece of trusted information they turn to when facing an immediate or urgent need for support—such as a relative suddenly needing to move into a care home. Many people do not realise they have a choice until they read it. The guide provides comprehensive and trusted details on local home care, day services, and residential care, alongside essential information to help people plan for future costs.
Planning ahead for future care and support needs can help residents understand their options and make informed decisions about the care they may need. A new Planning for Your Future webpage has vital information on care options, paying for care and staying independent, as well as a downloadable step-by-step booklet to help with planning.
Councillor Richard Bates, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, said:
"Thinking about your future care can feel overwhelming but ignoring it is like setting off on a long journey without a map. Planning early gives you a map, puts you in the driving seat, and helps you towards securing the care you want.
"I encourage everyone, especially those nearing retirement or supporting older relatives, to use this free support today. Please visit the webpage, download the guide, or pick one up from your local library to find out more.
Crucially, this early planning does not just help families—it is vital for the council too. By helping residents make informed choices early, the council can better manage the intense demand for social care support and ensure services remain reliable and sustainable for everyone in the long term.”
Cllr Bates added: "If I had just one thing to say to a family, I would tell them that talking to someone you trust about the future today changes everything. It turns a looming worry into a manageable plan. For the council, when residents plan ahead, it helps us keep our entire care system steady and sustainable so we can always be there for those who need us most."
How to get help today:
Resources: Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/PlanningForYourFuture
to access a wealth of practical information designed to make your planning and decisions much easier, including the latest Care Guide and a step-by-step Planning for Your Future workbook.
Printed copies can be requested by emailing publications@westsussex.gov.uk
In Person: Pick up a free printed copy of the latest Care Guide and Planning for Your Future booklet at your local library,
Face-to-Face: Meet members of the Prevention Assessment Team and supporting council teams for personalised advice at monthly library drop-in sessions. Visit the Planning for Your Future webpage for further details.
By Phone: Call the advice helpline on 0330 222 4040 to speak with a trained advisor during office hours.
