The cost of residential care for seniors has been underscored as a “significant concern”, with the island facing a surge in its elderly population.

The Bermuda Health Council reported that last year’s average monthly fee stood at $5,147 for rest homes, and $5,441 for nursing homes — imposing “financial pressures for many families“ to care for their loved ones, and with prices ”varying widely“ across different types of facilities.

The cost for rest homes, defined as catering to adults unable to live independently but needing basic care, ranged from $4,800 to $6,500 a month in 2023.

Fees for nursing homes, which provide “complex healthcare support”, ranged from $1,395 to $11,500 a month.

In 2016, the health council projected that by 2029, 28 per cent of Bermuda’s population, or 17,828 people, would be over age 65.

The figure marked a 31 per cent increase from the island’s 2022 figure of 13,608 people.

To estimate the projected demand for beds by people aged 65 and over on the island, the health council used the median percentage of older adults — aged 65-plus — living in residential care facilities, as reported in various countries around the world.

The report added: “This median percentage was then applied to Bermuda's projected population to calculate the anticipated number of beds required.

“The actual number of beds available in Bermuda serve adults of all ages.

“The age distribution across residential care facilities is not centralised, therefore we are unable to report on those over 65 in care homes specifically. However, anecdotally, most residents are 65+.”

Demand for beds consistently outstrips the numbers available, with the gap widening in capacity from this year through to 2039.

The report said that the number of beds available at residential care facilities last year was 478; following 482, 468 and 475 in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively.

A chart in the publication estimated that demand for beds could surpass 1,000 in 2039, while the figure for available beds was expected to remain below 500.

The report warned that the sector faced “resource constraints and funding limitations” given the island’s ageing population.

As of 2023, Bermuda had ten nursing homes and nine rest homes, subject to annual inspections during their relicensing.

Facilities are assessed by an elder-care team, authorised by the council and comprising both public and private experts.

They are evaluated on quality of life, care, management and their physical environment.

Eleven homes received grades of “excellent” to “good”, while six were satisfactory and two were less than satisfactory.

The council fielded 22 complaints last year, with 13 over nursing homes and nine for rest homes — mainly concerning residents leaving the facility, resident care and environmental concerns.

The report closed: “In summary, Bermuda must prioritise planning and implementing measures to accommodate the anticipated increase in the elderly population, ensuring access to quality, affordable care and maintaining high standards across residential care facilities.”

The health council said: “The findings highlight the importance of planning now to ensure all residents have access to affordable, high-quality residential care.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with a new link to the report after it was provided by the health council