Financial assessment for care - where best to get advice (other than Local Authority)?

[FreckledLeopard]

So, my mother's dementia is getting worse. She now has daily carers and we're looking at moving her to a care home.

She has been self-funding to date; however, given the level of care she requires is increasing, we want a financial assessment to be carried out.

Her circumstances are unusual - she has a high level of monthly income, mostly from a war widow's pension and my (deceased) father's naval pension. Her assets are just under the £23k threshold in this country, however, she has the legal interest of 50% of a French (dilapidated) property. I have the other interest. The property is most likely impossible to sell (though we haven't tried and have no interest in trying) and worth under 200,000 euros. If she wanted to sell, she would have to have my consent and credit me with half the proceeds (we don't want to sell it so it's irrelevant).

I know that certain income and capital are disregarded. I've been wading through the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment
of Resources) Regulations 2014 to try and figure out what is taken into account in a financial assessment, but frankly, it's not the most easy document to get to grips with.

Can anyone recommend an independent adviser who could give us an idea of what the local authority will and won't take into account? I don't want to put my faith into the local authority alone - some guidance from a professional would be perfect.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[RustyParker]

I've heard good things about the Age UK information line Age UK But I've not been in this position so I can't offer much in the way of advice but I didn't want your post to go unanswered so hopefully have bumped your thread for you too

[whataboutbob]

I think it may be best to consult a solicitor. I went to one in SE London to discuss funding my Dad's care. Her fee was v reasonable. I found her through the Solicitors for the Elderly website (go to Law Society website). If you are any where near SE London feel free to pm me for her details.

[FreckledLeopard]

Thank you very much.

[notanothernickname]

Hi

You’re right, Care Funding is tricky to wade your way through and I would definitely agree that you need to get some advice. Local Authorities can sometimes leave you feeling like they can provide nothing for you if the individual who needs care has significant assets or a high level of monthly income.

The funding your mother may/will be entitled to will depend on two things

• Her assessed needs
• Her financial status

Everyone has a right to a Local Authority Assessment, regardless of their financial circumstances. Even if you think that your mother may not qualify for financial support it’s often best to get the assessment as even if you’re not entitled to Local Authority Funding towards care, it may entitle your mother or a carer to additional support.

In terms of her financial status there are some articles here which may help www.youretheboss.org.uk/service-users/Care-funded/council-funding-for-care but I would suggest that you contact a SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) registered Financial Adviser who can put you in contact with someone suitable. Or DM me and let me know where in the country you are and I can try and put you in contact with someone.

Funding for Care is a specialist area and there are many options that you mother may have that will make her money go further, as well as options she may have for getting support towards these costs – so my advice would be to make sure that the person you’re getting advice from is SOLLA accredited (societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk).

Nick