News
Dementia and the Cost of Residential Care
03.04.2009
For anyone whose partner is suffering from Dementia there is the added worry of the cost of his or her care. In a typical case a couple may own their own home together,and have investments that in line with the Economy as a whole have lost 30% or more in value over the last year or more .With perhaps limited pension provision the question of what help the State will provide if the husband or wife with dementia has to go into a residential home is an increasingly common one.
Inevitably the answer is not always clear but dependant on individual circumstances: if nursing care is required that should be provided by the NHS free of charge. However-if the person in question needs personal care (e.g. with dressing, washing, cleaning, cooking and so on) or has to go into a residential home then he or she will have to contribute.
Here it is the local authority who assess the level of contribution having regard to the person’s capital and income. If you have savings and investments of £22,250 then you have to pay for the total cost of your care. Once your savings fall below £13,500 the Council will look to your income in assessing what contribution you will have to make towards your care(although half of your income is disregarded if and so long as you stay in your own home.)
There are a few crumbs of comfort for the carer though: if you own your house jointly : your share is yours and cannot be taken by the Council. Also: The Council cannot force a sale of your partner's share in your home so you should not be made homeless. Many local authorities are under acute funding pressures-especially those here in the South East with a larger than average proportion of retired residents and a smaller than average precept from Central Government.
One result of this is sure to be an increasing focus on collecting as much as possible by way of contributions from those needing care. And for the carer and the families of the patient: there are no easy answers-it is unlawful to transfer assets to, e.g. family members with a view of avoiding making contributions and Councils are alive to this as well.
For more information please contact HILARY HUGHES on 01435 890101.
