The Equity Release Council has welcomed My Care Consultant (MCC) as its latest professional partner for care-related information, education, and member support.
The collaboration will help advisers in the later life market avoid foreseeable harm when it comes to using property wealth to fund long term care and comes at a time when later life planning is becoming increasingly complex and demanding.
The partnership aligns with the Council’s broader commitment to professional development, including its collaboration with LIBF, which provides members with discounted access to the Certificate in Long Term Care and Later Life Planning (CertLTCP.)
Earlier this year, advisers highlighted the challenge of care-related conversations, with 60% identifying it as their biggest training need. The Council already expanded its product standards in May 2025 to cover more care scenarios, waiving early repayment charges not only when a customer moves permanently into a care home but also when care is provided by relatives, subject to terms and conditions.
The new partnership with MCC will give advisers access to additional tools, resources and education, helping them approach long-term care conversations with greater confidence as part of the equity release process.
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, said: “We are pleased to welcome My Care Consultant as a professional partner. Finding care solutions which meet the needs of our rapidly ageing population has never been more important, with many people wishing to fund adaptations to their homes, such as building a downstairs bathroom or to pay for additional care services.
“Our research has shown 67% of over-50s are determined to remain in their own homes if they ever need care in the future. This desire grows stronger with age and is shared by 76% of people aged 70+.
“My Care Consultant’s expertise will help advisers address one of the most pressing challenges in later life planning: how to integrate care considerations into financial advice.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing advisers with the knowledge and resources they need to deliver good outcomes for older people.”
Jacqueline Berry, founding director of My Care Consultant, added: “My Care Consultant has observed a significant increase in the use of later life lending to pay for or top up care, typically at home. Whilst property wealth plays an important role in affording people choice, quality and control over their care, there are important considerations when it comes to determining how its use may impact upon entitlements to other forms of financial support.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Council at such a pivotal time to support advisers and their clients and avoid foreseeable harm. By combining our specialist knowledge with the Council's extensive reach and influence, we can collectively elevate standards and help shape how later life lending advice integrates with care planning.”
John Somerville, director of financial services at LIBF, commented: “Continuous professional development is vital to ensuring advisers have the skills and confidence to meet the evolving needs of later life customers. With growing demand for advice in areas like care and retirement funding, there are huge opportunities for advisers who invest in their learning to deliver better outcomes and strengthen long-term client relationships.”
