We understand that the topic of care home fees often brings about uncertainty and anxiety. Whether you're planning for your own future care or assisting a loved one in making these decisions, it's crucial to be well-informed and prepared.
It is crucial that you make the best decision on the next stage of your or a loved one's life by being as knowledgeable as possible about the process.
At Warner Goodman, our care home lawyers appreciate the pressure that can come with choosing a care home.
Why choose our care home solicitors?
If you're concerned about care home fees, it's essential to act now and get the help you need. Our team will provide practical and empathetic advice on care home fees to secure the future you deserve.
- Personalised Consultations: We understand that each situation is unique, and we provide one-on-one consultations to address your specific concerns and needs.
- Expertise in Older Person Law: Our experienced professionals specialise in older person law, care funding, and financial planning. We're here to ensure that you make informed decisions.
- Financial Guidance: We can help you navigate the complexities of care home fees, funding options, and available benefits to secure your financial future.
- Peace of Mind: With our assistance, you can face the future confidently, knowing that you have a solid plan to manage care home fees.
Speak to our care home solicitors today
Do you need help with care home matters? Our experienced teams of solicitors specialise in care home fees in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler's Ford, and Waterlooville.
To find out how our care homes fees solicitors can assist you, contact the team on 01329 222075 or email privateclientenquiry@warnergoodman.co.uk.
How our care home solicitors can help you
Understanding care home fees
Navigating the issue of care home fees can be complex. It's essential to comprehend the different factors that influence the cost of care and the options available to help cover these expenses. Some of the key aspects to consider are listed below.
Contact our expert team of care home lawyers to discuss how care home fees will work for you and work out the best option for your situation.
- Types of care: The level of care required significantly affects the cost. Residential care, nursing care, dementia care, and specialised services come with varying price tags.
- Location: Care home fees can differ significantly depending on where the facility is situated. Urban areas often have higher costs than rural regions.
- Care home facilities: The quality and amenities of a care home can impact the fees. Luxury facilities tend to be more expensive than basic accommodations.
- Funding options: There are various ways to fund care, including personal savings, the sale of property, government support, and insurance. Understanding these options is crucial to make informed choices.
- Financial assessments: Local authorities assess the financial eligibility of individuals to receive financial assistance for care. Knowing the assessment process is vital. Disputes can sometimes emerge when the Local Authority performs these assessments and incorrectly evaluates assets and estates. These assessments can heavily impact how someone's care is funded and can be the difference from paying as little as £500.00 a month to £5,000.00.
Planning and preparation
The key to managing care home fees is early planning. Whether you're concerned about your future or that of a loved one, taking proactive steps can alleviate much of the stress and financial burden. Here's what you can do:
- Assessment of needs: Assess the level of care required, taking into consideration current health and potential future needs.
- Financial evaluation: Understand your financial situation and explore funding options. Seek professional advice to ensure you're making the most of available support.
- Legal documents: Review your legal documentation, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney and ensure they align with your care preferences.
- Benefits and grants: Investigate potential benefits and grants to help with care home fees. Some may be under-claimed and can make a significant difference.
- Consultation and advice: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from experts specialising in care funding and elder law. They can provide tailored advice to your unique situation.
Frequently asked questions about care home fees
What will I have to pay, and what assets are exempt from care home fees?If you go into social care, it is possible that assets can be taken from your estate to cover the fees. This will occur if your savings or assessable capital exceeds £23,250.
Some assets, such as personal possessions, can be exempt from care home fees. However, they will be assessed to determine whether they were purchased with the intention of reducing a person's capital. Likewise, family assets are not included.
If someone owns a property when they move into care, this will be considered when assessing whether they should pay care home fees. If they share ownership of this property with another person who continues to live there, the property will not be considered when assessing eligibility for exemption. This is known as mandatory disregard. A disregard may also apply if the individual entering a care home does not share ownership of the property, but someone else lives there (for example, a child or other relative).
What is the 'seven-year rule' for care home fees?It is often wrongly presumed that the rules for deprivation of assets do not apply to capital that a person has given away over seven years ago. In reality, this is not the case, and local authorities will look back as far as they please when assessing whether someone has intentionally rid themselves of previous assets.
The confusion around this rule likely stems from the 'seven-year rule' that applies to Inheritance Tax gifting. This rule stipulates that no Inheritance Tax is to be applied to any gifts that you survive for seven years after gifting. For more information on Inheritance Tax, please visit our Inheritance Tax solicitors page.
Who is legally responsible for care home fees?If your capital exceeds £23,250, you will be legally responsible for the entirety of your care home fees. If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, the council will provide financial support that must be supplemented by a contribution from your income in addition to a tariff income. If your capital is less than £14,250, the council will provide financial support that must be supplemented by a contribution from your income, but without the tariff income.
You must be left with a Personal Expenses Allowance of at least £30.15 per week from your capital, which will be considered when assessing payment plans.
If you are required to enter care on a primarily health-related basis, the NHS will organise and fund your care under the NHS continuing healthcare scheme. If you fail to meet the NHS continuing healthcare criteria but need nursing care, the NHS will contribute a nominal fee towards the cost of your care.
Responsibility for the care home fees of a loved one (a parent, for instance) is only legally required if a contract is signed. You can also sign a contract to pay top-up fees to a loved one, which should be cautiously considered.
How can I protect my assets from care home fees?The prospect of losing assets or estate value through care home fees can be frustrating. There are measures you can put in place to mitigate this. However, they are complex and should be completed with the aid of solicitors specialising in care home fees. It is possible to protect assets using trusts and Living Wills when an individual leaves behind a surviving spouse.
It is imperative that you seek the correct legal counsel for this type of complex situation. To learn more about trusts, please contact our expert trusts solicitors. To learn more about Living Wills, please contact our Life Interest Trust Wills solicitors.
Speak to our care home solicitors today
If you're concerned about care home fees, please contact our Private Client team. We're here to provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your future or the future of your loved one. We have expert care home fees solicitors in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler's Ford, and Waterlooville.
To find out how our care homes fees solicitors can assist you, contact the team on 01329 222075 or email privateclientenquiry@warnergoodman.co.uk.
