There are 10 million over-65s in the United Kingdom - 1.5 million of those are over 85 - and the figures are expected to rise in the coming years. Research suggests about three-quarters of elderly people will develop a social care need, which can include anything from help getting up in the morning to round-the-clock support in a residential home. The numbers of younger, disabled adults are predicted to rise too, as medical advances mean many people with disabilities are living longer.

Who gets state-funded care?

Who is eligible for care?

Social care in England is rationed, depending on how much care a person needs and how much money they have. Individuals are first assessed on care needs. There are four basic levels or bands of care offered - low, moderate, substantial and critical - but levels vary between councils. The bands cover daily tasks such as washing, dressing and eating.

Low Moderate Substantial Critical

Help with eating/washing Care through the day

Many councils can no longer afford to give care to people in the low and moderate bands - they will only fund people needing high levels of care.

In 2005/6 60 councils funded people with low and moderate needs, now only 28 councils will fund people in these categories, meaning fewer people receiving care.

Who gets funded care at home?

The second test is a means or financial assessment. People needing help at home have to pay for their own care if they have savings of more than £23,250. When a person needs full-time residential care, the value of their home may also be taken into account.

Savings and capital £14,250 £23,250 Only income taken into account Care costs shared No care paid for

The various payment thresholds have barely changed over the years. Critics argue there should be a cap on payments.

Who gets funded care in a residential home?