The number of people seeking elderly care advice from a financial adviser has more than doubled over the past year.
According to care annuity provider Partnership, in 2012 just seven per cent said they would seek advice from an adviser.
However, in this year's survey that figure had increased to 15 per cent.
Other sources were the internet, doctors, charities and other family members.
The most popular source was local authorities and Partnership said this could provide an opportunity for financial advisers. Under recent Government proposals, local authorities have a duty to provide information and advice to everyone, including those who are self-funding care.
As a result, Partnership is campaigning for local authorities to refer self-funders to financial advisers to ensure they are aware of all the options.
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Chris Horlick, managing director of care at Partnership, said: "Some 57 per cent of people in the care system are funding some or all of their care costs, yet this research shows that only 15 per cent would consider contacting an independent financial adviser.
"This lack of awareness among consumers about where they can go to get appropriately qualified financial advice is worrying as it means that they might purchase the wrong financial product to fund their care fees or none at all.
"With an estimated 25 per cent of all self-funders running out of money and falling back on the state, this has significant implications for both consumers and the Government."

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