Care Funding Options

• 1. Assessment of Needs and Finances:
  • The first step is to have your mum undergo a needs assessment by the local authority's adult social services department. This assessment determines the level of care needed and the potential cost implications.
• 2. Financial Assessment (Means Test):
  • Following the needs assessment, a financial assessment (means test) will be conducted to determine your mum's ability to contribute financially towards her care costs.
  • This assessment takes into account her income, savings, assets (including the house), and other financial resources.

Funding Sources for Care

• 1. Council Funding:
  • If your mum is assessed as needing social care support and meets the eligibility criteria (including financial eligibility), the local authority may contribute towards the cost of her care.
  • This can include funding for care provided at home, such as live-in care, or in a residential care setting.
• 2. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC):
  • If your mum has complex medical needs requiring ongoing healthcare, she may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care, including residential care.
• 3. Private Funding:
  • If your mum does not qualify for council funding or NHS support, she may need to privately fund her care. This could involve using savings, income, or possibly selling assets, such as the house, to cover care costs.

Property and Care Costs

• 1. Property Considerations:
  • The value of your mum's house is considered an asset in the means test for care funding. In some cases, the local authority may take the value of the house into account when assessing her ability to pay for care.
  • However, selling the house is not always required if there are other financial resources available to cover care costs, or if alternative funding options, such as council funding or NHS support, are accessible.

Legal and Financial Advice

• 1. Seeking Advice:
  • It's advisable to seek advice from a solicitor specializing in elder law or a financial advisor who can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your mum's individual circumstances.
  • They can help explore options for funding care without necessarily needing to sell the house, or advise on the implications of selling the house to fund care.

Conclusion

The decision whether to sell your mum's house to pay for her care is complex and depends on various factors related to her care needs, financial situation, and available funding options. It's important to gather information, seek professional advice, and explore all avenues for funding care to make an informed decision that ensures your mum receives the necessary support while preserving her financial stability and quality of life.