Bristolians will be able to have their say on the future of care services for older people when a roadshow stops in the city.

The Government's Big Care Debate will be held in Bristol today. It will give people the chance to comment on the options put forward.

Many people underestimate the cost of care and support they may need in the future.

According to Department of Health research, 38 per cent of Bristolians believed the government would cover their needs at home and expected them to pick up the cost of residential care; while one in three thought access to care and support at home would cost between £5,000 and £10,000.

But more than 50 per cent of over-65s will need care costing at least £25,000, and 20 per cent will need care costing more than £50,000.

The thousands of people living in and around the city with dementia could face costs of up to £200,000.

The Government proposals would create a new national care service, which would make sure that everyone would get some care paid for, making everyone better off.

The proposals would also help create a consistent, high- quality service across England.

In order to encourage people to think about care and what it will mean for them and their families, the Department of Health has created an online application so they can upload a photograph of themselves and view how they might look in old age.

Care services minister Phil Hope said: "I don't want people to worry about affording care – that's why we're revolutionising the system.

"We want to build a national care service, which is fair, simple and affordable.

"I want the public to have their say."

To take part in the Big Care Debate visit their stand at Cabot Circus between 10am and 6pm today or visit www. careandsupport.direct.gov.uk.