Care home fees increased by an average £900 across England in the last financial year, according to new research - and many residents were given only a week to pay up.
Citizens Advice found one region where care home fees rose over £2,000 on average in the same period.
A mystery shopping investigation of 404 homes across England revealed that almost one in 10 gave only a week’s notice that their fees were going to rise.
In its report, Hidden Charges in Care Homes, Citizens Advice warns that the cost increases can lead to debt or threats of eviction.
It says a week does not give residents and their families time to negotiate with the provider and recommends they should be given at least four weeks notice.
Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: 'People in care homes are at the mercy of price rises.
'A week’s notice puts enormous pressure on care home residents or their families to pay.
'It is unreasonable for vulnerable people to face such a small window to compare costs and make alternative arrangements if they cannot afford the higher fees.'
